Disposable kit

ABSTRACT

Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for a disposable kit containing medical items configured for a medical device including a head cradle to support a head of a subject, the disposable kit includes a container that encloses a head cradle pad configured to be affixed to the head cradle, at least one fiducial marker configured to be disposed on a location at the head of the subject, and at least one enclosure configured to cover a portion of the medical device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is a continuation of, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/048,209, filed Jul. 27, 2018, titled “DISPOSABLE KIT,” whichclaims the priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. No. 62/660,499, titled DISPOSABLE KIT FOR ROBOTICDEVICE, filed on Apr. 20, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

Subject matter described herein relates generally to disposable kitsconfigured to use in a medical procedure such as but not limited to, anultrasound-related procedure.

BACKGROUND

For providing more effective healthcare, maintaining hygiene andcleanliness is a high priority for healthcare providers. One scenario inwhich hygiene may be compromised is when medical materials andinstruments (e.g., placemats and sheets) are reused on differentpatients, which may enable and/or accelerate the transfer of bacteria orillness from patient to patient. In addition, reusable medicalinstruments and materials may be cumbersome for use by a healthcareprovider, for example, due to storing, deploying, safekeeping,monitoring, and the like, of the reusable equipment.

SUMMARY

In some arrangements, a disposable kit containing medical itemsconfigured for a medical device includes a head cradle to support a headof a subject, the disposable kit includes a container that encloses ahead cradle pad configured to be affixed to the head cradle, at leastone fiducial marker configured to be disposed on a location at the headof the subject, and at least one enclosure configured to cover a portionof the medical device.

In some arrangements, the disposable kit contains medical itemsconfigured to be used for an ultrasound medical procedure.

In some arrangements, the head cradle pad is configured to be releasablyaffixed to the head cradle.

In some arrangements, the head cradle pad includes a pad layer and anadhesive layer. The head cradle pad is configured to be affixed to thehead cradle via the adhesive layer.

In some arrangements, the pad layer is configured to be pressed into aconcave surface of the head cradle. The adhesive layer contacts andadheres to the concave surface of the head cradle when the pad layer ispressed into the concave surface of the head cradle.

In some arrangements, the medical device includes a head restraint torestrain the head of the subject. The container further encloses a headrestraint pad configured to be releasably affixed to the head restraint.

In some arrangements, the head restraint pad includes a pad layer and anadhesive layer. The head restraint pad is configured to be affixed tothe head cradle via the adhesive layer.

In some arrangements, the pad layer is configured to be pressed into aconcave surface of the head restraint. The adhesive layer contacts andadheres to the concave surface of the head restraint when the pad layeris pressed into the concave surface of the head restraint.

In some arrangements, the head restraint pad is configured to contact aforehead of the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the head restraint pad contacts a bottom surfaceof the container and fits into a space defined by the bottom surface, aportion of side walls extending from the bottom surface, and a sidesurface of the head cradle pad.

In some arrangements, the at least one fiducial marker has an adhesivesurface configured to be affixed to the head of the subject, and a lightreflective surface opposite to the adhesive surface.

In some arrangements, the at least one fiducial marker includes aplurality of fiducial markers, each of the plurality of fiducial markersconfigured to be adhered to a same side of the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the at least one fiducial marker includes a firstset of fiducial markers and a second set of fiducial markers, each ofthe first set and the second set includes a plurality of fiducialmarkers and configured to be adhered to opposite sides of the head ofthe subject.

In some arrangements, the medical device includes at least one roboticpod includes a camera and a probe. The at least one enclosure has aremovable enclosure body configured to cover a cavity defined by ahousing of the at least one robotic pod, and a center hole configured toexpose at least a portion of the probe.

In some arrangements, the medical device includes at least one roboticpod includes a camera and a probe. The at least one enclosure defines atop hole configured to expose the camera of the at least one roboticpod.

In some arrangements, the at least one enclosure includes a plurality ofenclosures.

In some arrangements, the head cradle pad contacts a bottom surface ofthe container and fits into a space defined by the bottom surface andside walls extending from the bottom surface.

In some arrangements, the disposable kit includes no more and no lessthan

the container. The container encloses no more and no less than the headcradle pad, a head restraint pad configured to be affixed to a headrestraint of the medical device, a sheet carrying the at least onefiducial marker, the at least one enclosure, and a packaging enclosingthe container.

In some arrangements, the medical device includes a Transcranial Dopplerdevice.

In some arrangements, a method for providing a disposable kit containingmedical items configured for a medical device having a head cradle tosupport a head of a subject, the method includes providing a container,wherein providing the container includes enclosing, in the container ahead cradle pad configured to be affixed to the head cradle, at leastone fiducial marker configured to be disposed on a location at the headof the subject, and at least one enclosure configured to cover a portionof the medical device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Features and aspects of arrangements will become apparent from thefollowing description and the accompanying example arrangements shown inthe drawings, which are briefly described below.

FIG. 1 shows components of an example of a disposable kit, according tovarious arrangements.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened) ofthe disposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened)containing the disposable gel containers of the disposable kit shown inFIG. 1, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened)containing the disposable gel containers and the disposable hairrestraint of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened)containing the disposable gel containers, the disposable hair restraint,and the disposable wipes of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 1,according to various arrangements.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened)containing the disposable gel containers, the disposable hair restraint,the disposable wipes, and the disposable gel applicator of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (closed)containing the disposable gel containers, the disposable hair restraint,the disposable wipes, and the disposable gel applicator of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (closed)containing the disposable gel containers, the disposable hair restraint,the disposable wipes, and the disposable gel applicator, with thedisposable placemat placed on top of the disposable container of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the disposable container (closed) containingthe disposable gel containers, the disposable hair restraint, thedisposable wipes, and the disposable gel applicator, with the disposableplacemat placed on top of the disposable container of the disposable kitshown in FIG. 1, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the disposable packaging enclosingthe disposable container (closed) and the disposable placemat, thedisposable container containing the disposable gel containers, thedisposable hair restraint, the disposable wipes, and the disposable gelapplicator of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of the disposable placemat (unfolded)of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 11B shows a front view of the disposable placemat (unfolded) of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 11C shows a back view of the disposable placemat (unfolded) of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 11D shows a first side view of the disposable placemat (unfolded)of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 11E shows a second side view of the disposable placemat (unfolded)of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 1, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 12 shows components of an example of a disposable kit, according tovarious arrangements.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened) ofthe disposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened)containing a head cradle pad of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 12,according to various arrangements.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened)containing the head cradle pad and a head restraint pad of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened)containing the head cradle pad, the head restraint pad, and a sheetincluding one or more fiducial markers of the disposable kit shown inFIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (opened)containing the head cradle pad, the head restraint pad, the sheetincluding one or more fiducial markers, and at least one disposableenclosure of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the disposable container (closed)containing the head cradle pad, the head restraint pad, the sheetincluding one or more fiducial markers, and at least one disposableenclosure of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a disposable packaging enclosing thedisposable container (closed) containing the head cradle pad, the headrestraint pad, the sheet including one or more fiducial markers, and atleast one disposable enclosure of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 12,according to various arrangements.

FIG. 20A shows a perspective view of the head cradle pad of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 20B shows a front view of the head cradle pad of the disposable kitshown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 20C shows a back view of the head cradle pad of the disposable kitshown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 20D shows a first side view of the head cradle pad of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 20E shows a top view of the head cradle pad of the disposable kitshown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 20F shows a bottom view of the head cradle pad of the disposablekit shown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 21A shows the head cradle pad of the disposable kit shown in FIG.12 deployed in a head cradle of a robotic device, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 21B shows the head restraint pad of the disposable kit shown inFIG. 12 deployed in a head restraint of a robotic device, according tovarious arrangements.

FIGS. 21C-21E illustrate a method of using the disposable kit shown inFIG. 12, according to various arrangement.

FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of the disposable enclosure (folded)of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to variousarrangements.

FIGS. 22B shows a perspective view of the disposable enclosure(unfolded) of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 22C shows a front view of the disposable enclosure (unfolded) ofthe disposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 22D shows a back view of the disposable enclosure (unfolded) of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 22E shows a top view of the disposable enclosure (unfolded) of thedisposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 22F shows a bottom view of the disposable enclosure (unfolded) ofthe disposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to various arrangements.

FIG. 22G shows a first side view of the disposable enclosure (unfolded)of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 22H shows a second side view of the disposable enclosure (unfolded)of the disposable kit shown in FIG. 12, according to variousarrangements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various configurations and isnot intended to represent the only configurations in which the conceptsdescribed herein may be practiced. The detailed description includesspecific details for providing a thorough understanding of variousconcepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatthese concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In someinstances, well-known structures and components are shown in blockdiagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

In the following description of various arrangements, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which areshown, by way of illustration, specific arrangements in which thearrangements may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherarrangements may be utilized, and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the various arrangements disclosed in thepresent disclosure.

Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, andmethods for providing a disposable kit that contains a plurality ofdifferent disposable, medical items. For example, in some arrangements,the disposable kit and the medical items contained therein are notreused between different subjects. In some arrangements, a disposablekit as described herein can be used per a medical procedure and/or per asubject. In other arrangements, a disposable kit is reused betweendifferent medical procedures and/or between different medical subjects.In some arrangements, implementation and usage of the disposable kitdescribed herein can improve hygiene and cleanliness while allowinghealthcare providers to administer healthcare more efficiently,effectively, and easily.

In some arrangements, the disposable kit as described herein is used inconjunction with a medical procedure involving, for example, but notlimited to, ultrasound (e.g., a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) procedure).In some arrangements, the disposable kit can be used for and inconnection with a device (e.g., an ultrasound device, such as, but notlimited to, a TCD ultrasound device) having one or more probes (e.g.,ultrasound probes).

In some arrangements, the disposable kit as described herein is used inconjunction with other diagnostic ultrasound procedures, such as, butnot limited to, needle guidance, intravascular ultrasound (e.g.,examination of vessels, blood flow characteristics, clot identification,emboli monitoring, and so on), echocardiograms, abdominal sonography(e.g., imaging of the pancreas, aorta, inferior vena cava, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, spleen, appendix, rectal area, and so on),gynecologic ultrasonography (e.g., examination of pelvic organs such asuterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and so on), obstetrical sonography,otolaryngological sonography (e.g., imaging of the thyroid (such as fortumors and lesions), lymph nodes, salivary glands, and so on), neonatalsonography (e.g., assessment of intracerebral structural abnormalitiesthrough soft spots of a skull of an infant, bleeds, ventriculomegaly,hyrdrocephalus, anoxic insults, and so on), ophthamological procedures(e.g., A-scan ultrasound biometry, B-scan ultrasonography, and so on),pulmonological uses (e.g., endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)), urologicalprocedures (e.g., determination of an amount of fluid retained in asubject's bladder, imaging of pelvic organs (such as uterus, ovaries,urinary bladder, prostate, and testicles), and detection of kidneystones), scrotal sonography (e.g., to evaluate testicular pain, identifysolid masses, and so on), musculo skeletal procedures (e.g., examinationof tendons, muscles, nerves, ligaments, soft tissue masses, bonesurfaces, and so on), bone fracture sonography, testing for myopathicdisease, estimating lean body mass, proxy measures of muscle quality(e.g., tissue composition), nephrological procedures (e.g., renalultrasonography), and the like.

In some arrangements, the disposable kit as described herein is used inconjunction with therapeutic ultrasound procedures, such as, but notlimited to, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), focused ultrasoundsurgery (FUS), Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS),lithotripsy (e.g., breaking up kidney stones, bezoars, gall stones, andthe like), targeted ultrasound drug delivery, trans-dermal ultrasounddrug delivery, ultrasound hemo stasis, cancer therapy,ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis, dental hygiene (e.g., cleaning teeth),phacoemulsification, ablation (e.g., of tumors or other tissue),acoustic targeted drug delivery (ATDD), trigger release of drugs (e.g.,anti-cancer drugs), ultrasound-guided treatments (sclerotherapy,endovenous laser treatment, liposuction, and so on), and the like. Insome arrangements, ultrasound is used for physical therapy applications,including, but not limited to, stimulating tissue beneath the skin'ssurface (e.g., by using very high frequency sound waves, such as, as anexample, between about 800,000 Hz and 2,000,000 Hz), treating musculoskeletal ailments with ultrasound exposure (e.g., ligament sprains,muscle strains, tendonitis, joint inflammation, plantar fasciitis,metatarsalgia, facet irritation, impingement syndrome, bursitis,rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and scar tissue adhesion), and thelike.

In some arrangements, the one or more probes are configured to emitand/or receive ultrasound acoustic energy. For example, the devicehaving one or more probes can automatically locate an artery (e.g., amiddle cerebral artery (MCA)) of a brain of a subject. The subject maybe a person, such as a medical patient, a test or experimentationsubject, a wounded soldier, an animal, an inanimate object (e.g.,pipes), or the like. In some arrangements, a probe can be positioned ina temporal window region (temple) of a head of the subject to collectthe ultrasound data. In other arrangements, a probe can be positionedover different acoustic windows such as, but not limited to, thetransorbital window or the suboccipital window. In some arrangements, alubricating gel can be applied between the head and a probe tofacilitate and improve acoustic transmission. Further disclosureregarding examples of a probe and a device with probes can be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/399,648, titled ROBOTIC SYSTEMS FORCONTROL OF AN ULTRASONIC PROBE, filed on Jan. 5, 2017, and in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/853,433, titled HEADSET SYSTEM, filedDec. 22, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

The current disclosure relates to a set of selected medical items,packaged or otherwise contained in a disposable kit as described herein,where the particular set of medical items in the package are providedand arranged in the package, to enable a healthcare provider to performa medical procedure for a given subject, and efficiently and easily usethe medical items in the package during the medical procedure. In somearrangements, the selection of items in a disposable kit as describedherein is for a particular medical procedure (e.g., involving diagnosticor therapeutic ultrasound) for a subject, such that under ordinarycircumstances, some or all of the items in the disposable kit are usedfor the medical procedure for the single subject. In certain examples,the disposable kit includes all of the medical items, and no moremedical items, than typically used in the particular medical procedure.As such, in some arrangements, the disposable kit includes medical itemsthat can be used during the medical procedure and disposed of after themedical procedure is completed, such that the same medical items are notre-used for another medical procedure or another subject. In thatregard, in some arrangements, the kit and the medical items packaged orotherwise contained therein can be characterized as “disposable.”

In addition, in some arrangements, the medical items packaged orotherwise contained in a disposable kit are arranged in a particularorder and configuration to enable a healthcare provider to efficientlyand easily use the medical items with respect to a medical procedure. Insome arrangements, the items in a disposable kit as described herein canbe arranged in the disposable kit according to an order in which theitems are to be retrieved from the disposable kit by the healthcareprovider in performing the medical procedure. To generally illustrate,in some arrangements, the disposable kit as described herein includes atleast a first item and a second item. The first item is to be usedbefore the second item for a medical procedure. The first item can bearranged on top of the second item or other items, or to be closer to anopening of a disposable container than the second item, such that thefirst item can be easily retrieved from the opened container, first,without the user having to touch or otherwise contact or move the second(or other) items. Particularly in some examples, the first item can beplaced on top of the second item within the disposable container suchthat the first item can be retrieved or otherwise accessed by thehealthcare provider prior to the second item is exposed. The second itemis between the first item and a third item or a bottom surface of thedisposable kit. The second item is exposed after the first item isretrieved, thus allowing the second item to be subsequently retrieved,and so on.

Traditionally, different types of medical items used for a given medicalprocedure (e.g., an ultrasound scan) are stored in different containers,such that all medical items used for the medical procedure are sortedand stored according to type. Given that, in some arrangements, adisposable kit contains a selection and arrangement of medical itemsthat are no more than and no fewer/less than those needed for a singlemedical procedure (e.g., a single ultrasound scan) for a single subject,a healthcare provider does not need to separately retrieve differenttypes of medical items from different containers. This significantlyimproves operational efficiency for administering the medical procedure.

Furthermore, in some arrangements, a suitable number of disposable kitswith medical items (e.g., sterilized medical items) can be madeavailable to the healthcare provider for use. In some arrangements, thedisposable kits and the medical items contained therein can besterilized before the medical procedure. In that manner, the healthcareprovider does not need to re-sterilize medical items before and/or aftereach use. As such, the disposable kits as described herein can improveoverall operational efficiency and hygiene/cleanliness (reduceinfections) in medical or emergency settings (e.g., hospital emergencyrooms, urgent care, veterinarian offices, physician offices, militaryhospitals, penitentiaries, combat support hospitals, forward surgicalteams, mobile military medicine teams, military medics, disaster reliefmedical teams, and the like) in which different subjects are in need ofthe medical procedures.

FIG. 1 shows various components of an example of a disposable kit 100,according to various arrangements. Referring to FIG. 1, in somearrangements, the disposable kit 100 includes a disposable container110, at least one disposable gel container (e.g., the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b), a disposable hair restraint 130, disposablewipes 140, a disposable gel applicator 150, a disposable placemat 160,and disposable packaging 170. In some arrangements, each of thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b are openable packetsconfigured to store a gel, which can be applied between the head of asubject and a probe to facilitate and improve acoustic transmission. Insome arrangements, the disposable hair restraint 130 is a stretchableband configured to be placed on the head of a subject to hold hair ofthe subject in place during the medical procedure, to prevent the hairfrom interfering with data collection and movements of the probe. Insome arrangements, the disposable wipes 140 can be used to wipe blood,sweat, particles (e.g., hair, sand, dirt, and the like), and previouslyapplied gel off the subject. In some arrangements, the disposable wipes140 can be used to wipe gel off of the head of the subject after themedical procedure is performed. The disposable gel applicator 150 can beused to apply the gel stored by the disposable gel containers 120 a and120 b onto the subject. In some arrangements, the disposable placemat160 is configured to absorb a fluid (e.g., a bodily fluid, the gel, andthe like) used in conjunction with a medical procedure, while keeping asurface on which the subject lies clean.

In some arrangements, one or more of the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140,and 150 in the disposable container 110 are sterilized before beingplaced into the disposable container 110. In some arrangements, thedisposable container 110, the disposable placemat 160, and thedisposable packaging 170 are sterilized. In some use cases, even whenthe disposable packaging 170 and the disposable placemat 160 have beenopened and used, the disposable container 110 (which may be sealed toprovide ingress protection) maintains the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140,and 150 in their sterilized conditions so that the healthcare providercan later use the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150, for example,after breaking the seal of the disposable container 110. As such, insome arrangements, the disposable kit 100 provides two levels ofprotection for the items therein (e.g., protection from the items beingcontaminated from outside): a first level corresponding to thedisposable packaging 170 protecting the disposable placemat 160 and thedisposable container 110, and a second level corresponding to thedisposable container 110 protecting the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140,and 150.

In some arrangements, the disposable container 110 is configured tostore or otherwise contain the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120b, the disposable hair restraint 130, the disposable wipes 140, and thedisposable gel applicator 150. In some arrangements, the disposablecontainer 110 can be opened to allow a healthcare provider to retrieveor otherwise access the medical items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150 inthe disposable container 110, in a desired order. The disposablecontainer 110 can be closed to enclose the items 120 a and 120 b, 130,140, and 150.

In some arrangements, the disposable kit 100 includes no more and nofewer types of medical items than the types of medical items shown inFIG. 1. For example, the disposable kit 100 may include no more and nofewer than disposable gel container(s) (e.g., the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b), disposable hair restraint(s) (e.g., thedisposable hair restraint 130), disposable wipe(s) (e.g., the disposablewipes 140), disposable gel applicator(s) (e.g., the disposable gelapplicator 150), and disposable placemat(s) (e.g., the disposableplacemat 160). In other arrangements, the disposable kit 100 includesmore or fewer types of items than the types shown in FIG. 1. In somearrangements, the disposable kit 100 includes any number of each itemtype. In particular examples, the number of each type of medical itemand/or the types of medical items included are selected to correspond tothe number of such items that are typically used in the particularmedical procedure associated with the disposable kit 100. In otherexamples, one or more extra items of one or more (or each) of each typeof item is included in the disposable kit 100, for example, where theone or more extra items are selected to correspond to the number ofextra items that are typically used in the particular medical procedure,when extra items are needed.

In particular examples, the item types in the disposable kit 100 and thenumber of items for each item type in the disposable kit 100 are enoughfor a medical procedure involving ultrasound (such as but not limitedto, an ultrasound scan, such as TCD) for a single patient or subject. Inother words, in some arrangements, the selection of the items in thedisposable kit 100 includes the appropriate number and types of itemsthat can be used on a single subject for a single ultrasound procedure,without the need to open an additional disposable kit and with minimalor no wasting of unused items in the disposable kit 100. As an example,the disposable kit 100 includes the two disposable gel containers 120 aand 120 b, each having a net weight of 20 g. The number of disposablegel containers depends on the size of each gel container and theanticipated amount of gel needed to complete the medical procedureinvolving ultrasound. For example, the anticipated amount of gel maydepend on sizes of one or more body areas on which the gel is to beapplied. In some arrangements, the disposable kit 100 includes onedisposable hair restraint 130. In some arrangements, one hair restraintis used to tie up the hair of one subject, therefore, one hair restraintis included in the disposable kit 100. In some arrangements, thedisposable kit 100 includes the five disposable wipes 140. The number ofdisposable wipes depends on the anticipated number of wipes needed tocomplete the medical procedure involving ultrasound (e.g., the number ofwipes for adequately cleaning the gel from a subject after the medicalprocedure is concluded). In some arrangements, the disposable kit 100includes the one disposable gel applicator 150, given that one gelapplicator is sufficient to apply the gel for a single subject. In somearrangements, the disposable kit 100 includes the one disposableplacemat 160, given that one placemat is sufficient to be deployed toabsorb liquid and keep the work surface clean.

FIGS. 2-10 illustrate a method by which the disposable kit 100 ismanufactured or otherwise assembled. In certain examples, the disposablekit 100 may be assembled in the order shown in FIGS. 2-10, to provide anarrangement of medical items organized and positioned within thedisposable kit 100 to allow the medical items to be easily retrievedfrom the disposable kit in the order in which they are typically used,without touching or disrupting the order of other medical items in thedisposable kit. FIG. 2 shows the disposable container 110 (opened) ofthe disposable kit 100, according to various arrangements. Referring toFIGS. 1-2, the disposable container 110 is lightweight for easytransportation and storage. In some examples, the disposable container110 can be made from an inexpensive material having sufficient rigidityto hold its shape, and suitable for mass production. The disposablecontainer 110 can be made from a transparent or translucent materialsuch that the healthcare provider can easily see whether the itemsstored in the disposable container 110 have already been used andwhether the items stored in the disposable container 110 have beentampered with or contaminated. In that regard, the disposable container110 can be made from a plastic material such as but not limited to,polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and the like. In otherexamples, the disposable container 110 can be made from glass,paperboard, ceramic, and the like.

As shown, the disposable container 110 includes a bottom portion 215.The bottom portion 215 includes a bottom surface 220 and side wallsextending from the bottom surface 220. The bottom surface 220 supportsthe items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150. The bottom surface 220 isdivided into a first bottom surface 220 a and a second bottom surface220 b by a wall or ridge 230. In some examples, one of the bottomsurfaces 220 a and 220 b has a bigger area than that of the other one ofthe bottom surfaces 220 a and 220 b. As shown, the first bottom surface220 a has a smaller area than that of the second bottom surface 220 b.This is because the first bottom surface 220 a is configured to supportthe disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b, and the second bottomsurface 220 b is configured to support the disposable hair restraint 130(folded) and the disposable wipes 140 (folded). The width of each of thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b is less than the width of eachof the disposable hair restraint 130 (folded) and the disposable wipes140 (folded). Thus, in order for the disposable gel containers 120 a and120 b, the disposable hair restraint 130 (folded), and the disposablewipes 140 (folded) to fit tightly in the disposable container 110 (e.g.,on the bottom portion 215), the ridge 230 partitions the bottom surface220 according to the dimensions (e.g., the widths) of the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b, the disposable hair restraint 130 (folded),and the disposable wipes 140 (folded). The ridge 230 and some portionsof the side wall of the bottom portion 215 define a space in which thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b fit. The ridge 230 and otherportions of the side wall of the bottom portion 215 define another spacein which the disposable hair restraint 130 and the disposable wipes 140fit. In other examples, the bottom surfaces 220 a and 220 b have thesame area (e.g., the ridge 230 divides the bottom surface 220 evenly).

In some arrangements, the ridge 230 is located at any location along thebottom surface to provide varying surface areas of the first bottomsurface 220 a and the second bottom surface 220 b as desired toaccommodate different types of items to be stored within the disposablecontainer 110. In other arrangements, a plurality of ridges 230 areimplemented to provide more than two compartmentalized bottom surfacesof equal or varying surface areas. In some arrangements, the ridge 230is located along the length of the container 110 or along the width ofthe container 110 or along both (e.g., such that four or morecompartments are formed). In some arrangements, the ridge 230 is locateddiagonally along the bottom surface 220 such that two or morenon-rectangular-shaped compartments are formed (e.g., triangular-shapedcompartments). In other arrangements, the container 110 does not includethe ridge such that the container 110 defines one continuous anduninterrupted bottom surface 220.

In some arrangements, the disposable container 110 includes a lid 210.The lid 210 is configured to be opened to provide access to an interiorof the disposable container 110. The interior of the container 110 isdefined by the bottom portion 215 (e.g., by the side walls and thebottom surface 220). The lid 210 has an interior surface facing theinterior of the container 110 when the lid 210 is closed. The interiorsurface of the lid 210 faces the bottom surface 220 (e.g., the bottomsurfaces 220 a and 220 b) when the lid 210 is closed. As shown, the lid210 can mate with the bottom portion 215 via friction fit. In otherexamples, the lid 210 can mate with the bottom portion 215 via one ormore of a zipper, buttons, a press seal, a re-sealable seal (e.g., azip-top), adhesives, latches, strings, and the like. In somearrangements, the lid 210 and the bottom portion 215 are connected byone or more hinges. In other arrangements, the lid 210 and the bottomportion 215 are separate and are not connected. In some arrangements,the lid 210 and the bottom portion 215 can form a water-tight seal orair-tight seal (or both) to provide ingress protection, thus maintainingthe cleanliness of the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150 andreducing bacteria count within the interior of the disposable container110 when the lid 210 is closed. In some arrangements, the disposablecontainer 110 is sealed shut between the lid 210 and the bottom portion215 so that the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150 therein aresecured, and such that a healthcare provider can readily determinewhether the disposable container 110 has been tampered with prior touse, in which case the healthcare provider can simply use anotherdisposable kit 100. For example, the disposable container 110 can besealed with a tape such that it is readily apparent whether the tape hasbeen previously released, cut, or otherwise opened.

FIG. 3 shows the disposable container 110 (opened) containing thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b of the disposable kit 100,according to various arrangements. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b can be first placed in thedisposable container 110 during a manufacturing process of thedisposable kit 100. In some arrangements, the disposable gel containers120 a and 120 b are disposable gel packets that store ultrasound gel,which aids in the transmission of ultrasound waves for ultrasoundprocedures. Each of the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 bincludes perforations or tears to allow a healthcare provider to easilyand swiftly open the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b and applythe gel. The gel stored in the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 bcan be water soluble, hypoallergenic, dye-free, and greaseless. In otherexamples, the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b may store anyother suitable types of liquid such as but not limited to, cleaningsolutions for the device or other liquids or gels used in conjunctionwith a medical procedure.

The disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b are arranged on the bottomsurface 220 a, in a stacked configuration. For example, the disposablegel container 120 b rests on and contacts the first bottom surface 220a. The disposable gel container 120 a is stacked on top of thedisposable gel container 120 b. The disposable gel container 120 b isbetween the disposable gel container 120 a and the first bottom surface220 a.

FIG. 4 shows the disposable container 110 (opened) containing thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b and the disposable hairrestraint 130 of the disposable kit 100, according to variousarrangements. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the disposable hair restraint 130can be placed in the disposable container 110 after the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b are placed in the disposable container 110 insome examples during the manufacturing process of the disposable kit100. In other examples, the disposable hair restraint 130 can be firstplaced in the disposable container 110 during the manufacturing processof the disposable kit 100. The disposable hair restraint 130 isconfigured to be supported by and contacts the second bottom surface 220b. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the disposable hair restraint 130 islocated on one side of the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b,for example, with the ridge 230 between the disposable hair restraint130 and the stacked disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b, such thatboth (or either) the disposable hair restraint 130 and the stackeddisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b may be retrieved, or eitherthe disposable hair restraint 130 or the stacked disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b may be retrieved without touching the otherof the disposable hair restraint 130 and the stacked disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b.

The disposable hair restraint 130 can be made from any suitable elasticor stretchable material configured as a band to expand to fit over ahead of the subject. In that regard, the disposable hair restraint 130is configured to remove and maintain a subject's hair away from an areaat which the gel is applied and a medical procedure (e.g., a medicalprocedure using ultrasound, such as, but not limited to, a TCDprocedure) is performed. The disposable hair restraint 130 can preventthe hair from interfering with data collection and movements of theprobe during the medical procedure. As shown, the disposable hairrestraint 130 is a disposable elastic band. In other examples, thedisposable hair restraint 130 can be cap, a string, a band withadhesives configured to allow the band to stick to the skin of thesubject, and the like. The disposable hair restraint 130 can be madefrom a biocompatible material. Examples of the material of thedisposable hair restraint 130 include but are not limited to, elasticcloth, a layer of thin silicone, biocompatible fibers or fabric, amedical curtain (e.g., a polyethylene curtain), treated paper, Tyvek®,and the like.

FIG. 5 shows the disposable container 110 (opened) containing thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b, the disposable hair restraint130, and the disposable wipes 140 of the disposable kit 100, accordingto various arrangements. Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the disposable wipes140 are placed in the disposable container 110 after the disposable hairrestraint 130 has been placed in the container. The disposable wipes 140are placed on top of the disposable hair restraint 130, over the secondbottom surface 220 b. In that regard, the disposable hair restraint 130is between the second bottom surface 220 b and the disposable wipes 140.In some examples, the disposable wipes 140 are placed after thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b are placed in the disposablecontainer 110 during the manufacturing process of the disposable kit100. In other examples, the disposable wipes 140 are placed before thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b are placed in the disposablecontainer 110 during the manufacturing process of the disposable kit100.

The disposable wipes 140 are configured to wipe off gel previouslyapplied to the subject. The disposable wipes 140 can be furtherconfigured to wipe off other types of liquid such as but not limited towater, bodily fluid (e.g., blood, urine, vomit, fecal matter, pus, andsaliva), and the like. In that regard, the disposable wipes 140 may bemade from one or more suitable absorbent materials such as but notlimited to, paper, fabric, gauze, cotton, rayon, polyester,polyethylene, polypropylene, fiber, sponge, polyethylene terephthalate,wood pulp, combinations thereof, and the like.

In some examples, the disposable wipes 140 are disinfecting wipesconfigured to disinfect the device and the one or more probes withoutdamaging such equipment. A problem with using other wipes that are notdesigned for use with device (e.g., ultrasound equipment) is that thenon-ultrasound equipment wipes may damage the equipment. For example,alcohol and solvents can dry and crack cables, touchscreens can becomeunresponsive to touch, and imaging effectiveness of ultrasound probescan be damaged. Thus, according to some arrangements, the disposablewipes 140 can be compatible with ultrasound equipment and can be madefrom such compounds as, but not limited to, water,decyldimethyloctylammonium chloride, dimethyldioctylammonium chloride,didecyldimethylammonium chloride, quaternary ammonium compounds,benzyl-C12-16-alkyldimethyl, combinations thereof, and the like. Assuch, the chemical compound as described above can have antibacterial,disinfecting, and ultrasound equipment compatibility characteristics.The disposable wipes 140 can include a membrane, a cover, or a containerfor retaining the disinfecting solution.

FIG. 6 shows the disposable container 110 (opened) containing thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b, the disposable hair restraint130, the disposable wipes 140, and the disposable gel applicator 150 ofthe disposable kit 100, according to various arrangements. FIG. 7 showsthe disposable container 110 (closed) containing the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b, the disposable hair restraint 130, thedisposable wipes 140, and the disposable gel applicator 150 of thedisposable kit 100, according to various arrangements. Referring toFIGS. 1-7, the disposable gel applicator 150 is placed in the disposablecontainer 110 after the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b, thedisposable hair restraint 130, and the disposable wipes 140 are placedin the disposable container 110. The disposable gel applicator 150 isconfigured to be set on top of and to contact the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b and the disposable wipes 140. The disposablegel containers 120 a and 120 b, the disposable hair restraint 130, andthe disposable wipes 140 are between the bottom surface 220 and thedisposable gel applicator 150. As shown, the disposable gel applicator150 is configured to be placed diagonally within the space defined bythe bottom surface 220, the side walls of the bottom portion 215, andthe lid 210 when the lid 210 is closed as shown in FIG. 7. Thedisposable gel applicator 150 is configured to be placed diagonally overthe disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b and the disposable wipes140. The diagonal arrangement of the disposable gel applicator 150 inthe disposable container 110 allows the disposable gel applicator tohave a maximized length dimension, relative to the size of thedisposable container 110, where the length dimension of the disposablegel applicator 150 may be longer than the width and length dimensions ofthe disposable container 110. In particular examples, the ridge 230 inthe bottom portion of the disposable container 110 is sufficiently smallin height so as not to extend above the other items housed within thedisposable container 110 (e.g., the disposable gel containers 120 a and120 b and the disposable wipes 140) so as to allow the disposable gelapplicator 150 to be arranged diagonally within the disposable container110 without obstruction by the ridge 230.

As shown, the disposable gel applicator 150 includes a handle and a foampad at a first end of the handle. The handle may be made of any suitablyrigid material such as, but not limited to plastic, wood, metal,ceramic, composite material or the like. The foam pad can be made fromany compressible absorbent material. The gel from the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b can be applied to the foam pad forapplication onto a subject (e.g., onto the subject's head). The foam padis configured to be placed over the disposable gel containers 120 a and120 b. A second end of the handle opposite to the first end isconfigured to be placed over the disposable hair restraint 130 and thedisposable wipes 140. This is because a space in the disposablecontainer 110 between the lid 210 (closed) and the disposable gelcontainer 120 a is larger than a space in the disposable container 110between the lid 210 (closed) and the disposable wipes 140. Given thatthe disposable hair restraint 130 and the disposable wipes 140 are atleast somewhat elastic, the second end of the plastic handle maycompress the disposable hair restraint 130 and the disposable wipes 140toward the bottom surface 220 when the lid 210 is closed. The disposablegel applicator 150 (the foam pad and/or the plastic handle) contacts theinterior surface of the lid 210 when the lid is closed. This minimizesmovement of the disposable gel applicator 150, the disposable hairrestraint 130, and the disposable wipes 140 within the disposablecontainer 110 when the lid 210 is closed. Given that the foam pad (aswell as the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b in some examples)is compressible, the foam pad may compress the disposable gel containers120 a and 120 b and/or push the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120b into a position within the disposable container 110 that minimizesmovement of the disposable gel applicator 150 and the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b within the disposable container 110 when thelid 210 is closed. In other examples, the disposable gel applicator 150can be configured in other forms such as but not limited to, a foam padwithout a handle, a flat stick (e.g., a popsicle stick), a sponge, aspoon, a stick, a dispenser, syringe, and the like.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the disposable container 110 (closed)containing the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b, the disposablehair restraint 130, the disposable wipes 140, and the disposable gelapplicator 150, with the disposable placemat 160 placed on top of thedisposable container 110 (closed), according to various arrangements.FIG. 9 shows a side view of the disposable container 110 (closed)containing the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b, the disposablehair restraint 130, the disposable wipe 140 s, and the disposable gelapplicator 150, with the disposable placemat 160 placed on top of thedisposable container 110, according to various arrangements. FIG. 10shows the disposable packaging 170 enclosing the disposable container110 (closed) and the disposable placemat 160, the disposable container110 contains the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b, thedisposable hair restraint 130, the disposable wipes 140, and thedisposable gel applicator 150, according to various arrangements.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the disposable packaging 170 can be made of amaterial that provides ingress protection against liquid (e.g., blood,sweat, and water) and particles (e.g., dust and hair) for the disposableplacemat 160 and the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150 in thedisposable container 110. An example of a relevant ingression protectionrating met by the disposable packaging 170 is Ingression ProtectionRating (IPxx). In some arrangements, the disposable packaging 170 ismade of an elastic material that can be form-fitted to the disposablecontainer 110 and the disposable placemat 160 when the disposablepackaging 170 encloses the disposable container 110 and the disposableplacemat 160. Furthermore, in some arrangements, the disposablepackaging 170 is made from a biocompatible material suitable forcontacting a human body. An example of a relevant biocompatibilitystandard met by the material of the disposable packaging 170 is the ISO10993-1 standard. Moreover, in some arrangements, the disposablepackaging 170 is made of a lightweight material or an ultra-lightweightmaterial, for easy transportation and storage. The disposable packaging170 can be made from a transparent material so that a healthcareprovider can easily see whether the items stored in the disposablecontainer 110 have already been used and whether the items stored in thedisposable container 110 have been tampered with or spoiled. Thedisposable packaging 170 can be made from a material such as but notlimited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyurethane,polyetherimide, polyvinyl chloride, and polyether ether ketone. In otherexamples, the disposable packaging 170 can be made from a layer of thinsilicone, biocompatible waterproof fibers or fabric, a medical curtain(e.g., a polyethylene curtain), treated paper, Tyvek®, and the like.

The disposable packaging 170 may include a fastening mechanismconfigured to close the disposable packaging 170 to form an enclosure toenclose the disposable placemat 160 and the disposable container 110(with the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150 stored therein). Thedisposable packaging 170 can be opened via the fastening mechanism tocreate an opening through which the disposable placemat 160 and thedisposable container 110 (with the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150stored therein) can be removed. In some arrangements, the fasteningmechanism is a sealing mechanism that forms a watertight seal and/or anairtight seal. Examples of the fastening mechanism include but are notlimited to, adhesive, a zipper, a press seal, a string, zip-top, and ahook-and-loop fastener. In some arrangements, the disposable packaging170 is welded or press-fitted over the disposable placemat 160 and thedisposable container 110. In that regard, the disposable packaging 170may have perforations suitable to be torn to access the disposableplacemat 160 and the disposable container 110.

The disposable placemat 160 is outside of the interior of the disposablecontainer 110. The disposable placemat 160 is between a portion of thedisposable packaging 170 and the disposable container 110 when thedisposable packaging 170 is unopened and encloses the disposablecontainer 110 and the disposable placemat 160.

The disposable placemat 160 is shown to be in folded state and can beplaced on top of the disposable container 110 (e.g., on the lid 210 ofthe disposable container 110). For example, the lid 210 has a concavedsurface extending towards the interior of the disposable container 110.The concaved surface defines a concave space. As shown, the disposableplacemat 160 can be folded and placed within the concave space. At leasta portion of the disposable placemat 160 is within the concave spacewhen the disposable packaging 170 is unopened and encloses thedisposable container 110 and the placemat 160. In other arrangements,the disposable placemat 160 is housed within the disposable container110 (e.g., the disposable container 110 has enough space or height toaccommodate housing of the disposable placemat 160 along with the otheritems 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150 stored therein).

Examples of the disposable placemat 160 include those disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/923,906, titled Placemat System, filed onMar. 16, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of the disposable placemat 160(unfolded), according to various arrangements. FIG. 11B shows a frontview of the disposable placemat 160 (unfolded), according to variousarrangements. FIG. 11C shows a back view of the disposable placemat 160(unfolded), according to various arrangements. FIG. 11D shows a firstside view of the disposable placemat 160 (unfolded), according tovarious arrangements. The first side view of the disposable placemat 160shows a lengthwise dimension of the disposable placemat 160. The viewcorresponding to another, opposite lengthwise dimension of thedisposable placemat 160 is similar to the first side view. FIG. 11Eshows a second side view of the disposable placemat 160 (unfolded),according to various arrangements. The second side view of thedisposable placemat 160 shows a widthwise dimension of the disposableplacemat 160. The view corresponding to another, opposite widthwisedimension of the disposable placemat 160 is similar to the second sideview. Referring to FIGS. 1-11E, in some arrangements, the foldeddisposable placemat 160 can be unfolded by a healthcare provider for usewith respect to a subject in connection with a medical procedure, forexample, involving ultrasound.

The disposable placemat 160 is made from a sheet of a first material1102 and a sheet of a second material 1104. The first material 1102includes any suitable flexible material, such as, but not limited to,fabric, plastic, and the like. In some arrangements, the first material1102 is a stretchable or elastic material. In some arrangements, thefirst material 1102 includes a slick material or is coated with a slickmaterial to allow frictionless movement along a surface. For example,the first material 1102 can be made from or coated with awater-repellent material, hydrophobic material, or a superhydrophobic(nanoscopic surface) material. In some examples, the first material 1102is slippery to allow the frictionless movement of an object (e.g., ahead of a subject, a medical instrument, and the like) on the surface ofthe first material 1102. Examples of the first material 1102 include,but are not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene, waterproof compositefabric, and the like. In some arrangements, the second material 1104 ismade from any suitable soft, absorbent material, such as, but notlimited to, paper, cotton, rayon, polyester, polyethylene,polypropylene, fiber, sponge, polyethylene terephthalate, wood pulp,combinations thereof, and the like. In particular arrangements, thesecond material 1104 is made from a soft material that is configured tocushion a subject when placed thereon for added comfortability of thesubject. In that regard, the sheet of the second material 1104 may havea suitable thickness for providing the cushion. In some arrangements,both the first material 1102 and the second material 1104 are made froma relatively inexpensive material such that the disposable placemat 160can be mass-produced and disposed of after a single use.

In some arrangements, the second material 1104 is configured to beabsorbent with respect to one or more fluids so as to aid in healthcareadministration by, for example, cleaning a subject or equipment before,during, or after a medical procedure. In some arrangements, fluids thatare used in a medical procedure can be absorbed by the sheet of thesecond material 1104. Examples of the fluids include, but are notlimited to, an ultrasound gel, disinfectants (rubbing alcohol or anotherliquid disinfectant), water, and the like. In some arrangements, bodilyfluids from a patient can be absorbed by the sheet of the secondmaterial 1104. Examples of the bodily fluids include, but are notlimited to, blood, urine, vomit, fecal matter, pus, saliva, and thelike. For example, the sheet of second material 1104 can have a largeenough area to encompass a body of an infant or toddler that can beplaced on the sheet of second material 1104 for medical examination orprocedure, and any fluids discharged from the infant or toddler or usedin connection with the medical examination or procedure can be absorbedby the sheet of the second material 1104.

In some arrangements, using the disposable placemat 160 in the mannerdisclosed allows a work surface for the medical examination or procedureon which the disposable placemat 160 is positioned to remain clean andsterile from subject to subject, resulting in increased infectioncontrol and higher quality medical care. For example, in the case wherea subject has experienced mild traumatic brain injury and is to undergoa brain diagnostic (e.g., Transcranial Doppler) to confirm, the subjectmay be bleeding from the experience and the disposable placemat 160 canbe used to form a barrier between the patient and a surface (e.g., asurface of a table, a bed, the ground, and the like) on which medicalprocedures occur such that the surface can remain sterile from suchbodily fluids. In addition, the sheet of second material 1104 can beutilized to help absorb and clean the blood from the patient.

In some arrangements, the sheet of the second material 1104 isconfigured to retain or absorb fluids that are involved in differentmedical procedures. For example, in some situations in which the subjectis bleeding, the sheet of the second material 1104 is configured to havesufficient absorbency, thickness, and size to be capable of wiping andretaining the blood from the subject so that the medical procedure canbe properly performed. In such arrangements, the sheet of the secondmaterial 1104 is made from materials capable of absorbing or retainingblood, such as, but not limited to, cotton, rayon, polyester,polyethylene, polypropylene, combinations thereof, and the like.

As another example, in some situations in which fluids (e.g., such asbut not limited to, ultrasound gel for facilitating ultrasound signalpropagation from an ultrasound probe into a subject's body) are used inconjunction with a medical procedure, the sheet of the second material1104 is configured to have sufficient absorbency, thickness, and size tobe capable of wiping, retaining, and/or absorbing the ultrasound gelfrom the subject during or after the medical procedure. Accordingly, insome arrangements, the sheet of the second material 1104 aids in theadministration of healthcare by allowing a user to clean the patient ofany medical fluids (e.g., ultrasound gel) with edges or corners of thesheet of the second material 1104 or physically guide the fluid appliedto the patient or a piece of medical equipment to optimal locations, bya user via the sheet of the second material 1104, for increasing theeffectiveness of the medical procedure (e.g., the ultrasound gel can bephysically directed and constrained, via use of the sheet of the secondmaterial 1104, to an acoustic window at a subject's head that is optimalfor receiving the ultrasound signal). Accordingly, in some arrangements,the sheet of the second material 1104 is made from materials capable ofabsorbing or retaining ultrasound gel, such as, but not limited to, woodpulp, resin, paper sheets, cotton, polyester, rayon, polyethylene,polypropylene, combinations thereof, and the like.

In some arrangements, the sheet of the first material 1102 isfluid-impermeable so that fluids that are absorbed by the sheet of thesecond material 1104 do not pass beyond the sheet of first material1102, providing increased infection control because the fluids arecontained within the disposable placemat 160 that can be disposed of.For example, the surface upon which the disposable placemat 160 ispositioned can remain sterile and clean due to the fluid impermeablefirst material 1102. Any other objects are also protected as thedisposable placemat 160 is disposed of since the first material 1102will not allow leakage of fluid outside of the disposable placemat 160(e.g., when the disposable placemat 160 is cinched or folded up fordisposal). In other arrangements, the second material 1104 is made fromany suitable fluid impermeable material, such as, but not limited to,glass, plastic, metal, polytetrafluorothylene, coated fabrics, silicone,polyurethane, rubber, rubber-coated textiles, combinations thereof, andthe like. Furthermore, the sheet of the first material 1102 and thesheet of the second material 1104 have any suitable thickness to besufficiently thin for storage (e.g., when folded up).

In some arrangements, the first material 1102 has a larger surface areathan that of the second material 1104. In some arrangements, the secondmaterial 1104 has a thickness greater than that of the first material1102. The first material 1102 is affixed to the second material 1104 byany suitable and secure method, such as, but not limited to, by adhesive(e.g., hot-melt glue), by thermo-forming, by sewing, by molding, bywelding, by Velcro, by stapling, and the like. In some arrangements, thesecond material 1104 extends along an entire length of the firstmaterial 1102, but not along an entire width of the first material 1102,or vice versa. The length of the first material 1102 is greater than thewidth of the first material 1102. In other arrangements, the secondmaterial 1104 extends along the entire width and the entire length ofthe first material 1102. In other arrangements, all sides of the sheetof the second material 1104 are encompassed by the sheet of the firstmaterial 1102 (e.g., the sheet of the second material 1104 has a squareshape within the larger rectangular sheet of the first material 1102).In some arrangements, the disposable placemat 160 is designed to have arectangular shape. In other arrangements, the disposable placemat 160 isdesigned to have any suitable shape (such as, but not limited to, acircle, a triangle, a hexagon, and the like) for receiving a patient ora specific body part of the patient.

In some arrangements, the disposable placemat 160 has any suitable sizefor receiving a body part or the entire body of a patient. For example,in arrangements where the disposable placemat 160 is configured toreceive a head of a patient, the sheet of the first material 1102 canhave a length in a range of about 30 centimeters (cm) to about 95 cm anda width in a range of about 25 cm to about 65 cm. In such arrangements,the sheet of the second material 1104 can have a length in a range ofabout 30 cm to about 95 cm and a width in a range of about 20 cm toabout 50 cm. In such arrangements, the sheet of the second material 1104has a size and position at the sheet of the first material 1102 suchthat a first strip of the first material 1102 is located above the sheetof the second material 1104 and a second strip of the second material1104 is located below the sheet of the first material 1102 (e.g., thenon-limiting configuration shown in FIG. 1). In some arrangements, thefirst strip and the second strip of the first material 1102 has the samewidth, which is in a range from about 4 cm to about 9 cm. In somearrangements, the sheet of the second material 1104 has any suitableweight for absorbing and cushioning a patient, such as, but not limitedto, in a range from about 50 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 110gsm. In some arrangements, the sheet of the second material 1104 has anysuitable absorbency characteristic for absorbing fluids thereon, such asabsorbency in a range of about 4 grams of fluid to about 30 grams offluid (e.g., blood or ultrasound gel). The absorbency can be ameasurement of how much fluid the second material 1104 holds beforeleaking therefrom, as determined by, for example, the Syngina Test.

As shown, the disposable placemat 160 is foldable (e.g., for simple andeasy storage and disposal thereof). In some arrangements, the disposableplacemat 160 includes at least one vertical folding guide 1106 and atleast one horizontal folding guide 1108. In some arrangements, thefolding guides 1106, 1108 provide sections along which the disposableplacemat 160 can be folded such that the disposable placemat 160 can befolded into a smaller form factor to allow convenient, easy storage andtransportation of the disposable placemat 160, for instance, to besupported on the lid 210 of the disposable container 110. For example,the disposable placemat 160 includes a plurality of vertical foldingguides 1106 and/or a plurality of horizontal folding guides 1108. Thedisposable placemat 160 includes any desired number and orientation ofvertical folding guides 1106 and horizontal folding guides 1108 tofacilitate suitable miniaturization of the disposable placemat 160.

In some arrangements, the second material 1104 or an additional materialbetween the first material 1102 and the second material 1104 is orincludes a cushioning material for providing a comfortable experience toa patient. In particular arrangements, the cushioning material isconcentrated in a substantially central portion of the disposableplacemat 160. For example, the cushioning material can be locatedbetween the two vertical folding guides 1106 directly surrounding acenter vertical line of the disposable placemat 160 (e.g., the centervertical line in an example may fall along the central vertical foldingguide 1106 a). In other arrangements, the cushioning material is locatedover an entirety of the second material 1104.

In some arrangements, the sheet of the second material 1104 ispre-soaked or treated with a compound configured to be a disinfectant orto kill bacteria. In particular arrangements, the second material 1104is pre-soaked or treated with, for example, but not limited to, alcohol,ethanol, isoproponal, dodecanoic acid, triclosan, triclocarban, acombination thereof, and the like. In some arrangements, the compound atthe second material 1104 is safe to contact skin of the subject. In somearrangements, an extra layer of a disposable thin film is applied to thepatient-facing surface of the sheet of the second material 1104 suchthat the film prolongs the lifespan of the treated second material 1104such that the compound therein does not dry out during storage. In otherarrangements, the back surface of the sheet of the first material 1102(e.g., the surface that is opposite to the surface connected to thesheet of the second material 1104) is treated with the compound suchthat when the disposable placemat 160 is positioned on a work surface,the work surface is disinfected for increased sterility and hygiene.When the disposable placemat 160 is positioned on the work surface, theback surface comes in contact with the work surface. For example,another sheet of the second material 1104 can be affixed to the backsurface of the sheet of the first material 1102 and pre-soaked ortreated with a disinfecting or antibacterial compound. Accordingly, byincluding a layer of disinfecting or antibacterial compound on the backsurface of the sheet of the first material 1102, the disposable placemat160 also serves as a sterilization apparatus that sterilizes the worksurface on which the disposable placemat 160 is positioned (e.g., amedical examination bed, gurney, table, and so on). Furthermore, byincluding a layer of disinfecting or antibacterial compound on the backsurface of the sheet of the first material 1102, the chemical compounddoes not contact the skin of the subject, which may otherwise causeirritation to the subject (e.g., for those chemical compounds that arenot recommended or safe to contact subject's skin). In otherarrangements, the disinfecting or antibacterial compound is included atboth the front and back surfaces of the disposable placemat 160.

Accordingly, FIGS. 2-10 illustrate a sequence by which the disposablekit 100 is assembled or otherwise provided, as described. In oneexample, the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b are first placedin the disposable container 110. Next, the disposable hair restraint 130is placed in the disposable container 110. Next, the disposable wipes140 are placed in the disposable container 110. Next, the gel applicator150 is placed in the disposable container 110. Next, the disposablecontainer 110 is closed. Next, the disposable placemat 160 is placed onthe lid 210 of the disposable container 110. Next, the disposablecontainer 110 with the disposable placemat 160 are placed in thedisposable packaging 170. In another example, the disposable hairrestraint 130 is first placed in the disposable container 110. Next, thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b are placed in the disposablecontainer 110. Next, the disposable wipes 140 are placed in thedisposable container 110. Next, the gel applicator 150 is placed in thedisposable container 110. Next, the disposable container 110 is closed.Next, the disposable placemat 160 is placed on the lid 210 of thedisposable container 110. Next, the disposable container 110 with thedisposable placemat 160 are placed in the disposable packaging 170. Inyet another example, the disposable hair restraint 130 is first placedin the disposable container 110. Next, the disposable wipes 140 areplaced in the disposable container 110. Next, the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b are placed in the disposable container 110.Next, the gel applicator 150 is placed in the disposable container 110.Next, the disposable container 110 is closed. Next, the disposableplacemat 160 is placed on the lid 210 of the disposable container 110.Next, the disposable container 110 with the disposable placemat 160 areplaced in the disposable packaging 170. In various arrangements, othersuitable sequences by which the disposable kit 100 is assembled can belikewise implemented.

FIG. 10 to FIG. 2, in that order, illustrate a sequence by which thedisposable kit 100 is used by a healthcare provider for an ultrasoundmedical procedure according to some arrangements. To begin, thehealthcare provider retrieves the disposable kit 100 (shown in FIG. 10)and removes the disposable packaging 170. After the disposable packaging170 is removed, the disposable container 110 and the disposable placemat160 are accessible as show in FIGS. 8 and 9. The disposable placemat 160is placed outside of and on top of the disposable container 110 (e.g.,on top of the lid 210 of the disposable container 110) because thehealthcare provider typically needs to unfold and deploy the disposableplacemat 160 to allow the subject to lay down on the disposable placemat160, before beginning or otherwise preparing the medical procedure.Therefore, the disposable placemat 160 is placed in the most accessibleposition as the disposable packaging 170 is removed. The accessibilityof the disposable placemat 160 is significant especially in emergencysituations when the subject needs to lie down quickly.

As shown in FIG. 7, after the disposable placemat 160 is removed, theunopened disposable container 110 is revealed. The disposable container110 provides additional ingress protection to the items 120 a and 120 b,130, 140, and 150, reducing bacteria, liquid, and particles fromentering into the disposable container 110. Upon opening the lid 210 ofthe disposable container 110 as shown in FIG. 6, the healthcare providerretrieves the disposable gel applicator 150. As shown in FIG. 5, afterthe disposable gel applicator 150 is removed, the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b and the disposable wipes 140 becomeaccessible. The healthcare provider can then retrieve the disposablewipes 140, the disposable hair restraint 130, and the disposable gelcontainers 120 a and 120 b, as shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 2, in anysuitable order. For example, the healthcare provider can open thedisposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b to access the gel storedtherein and apply the gel using the gel applicator 150. The healthcareprovider can tie the hair of the subject using the disposable hairrestraint 130. The healthcare provider can wipe excess gel or bodilyfluid of the subject using the disposable wipes 140.

In some examples, after the disposable gel applicator 150 (which holdsthe items 120 a and 120 b, 130, 140 in place when the lid 210 is closed)is removed from the disposable container 110, the healthcare providermay first use the disposable wipes 140 to wipe off bodily fluid (e.g.,blood and sweat) from the subject, to clean the area on which the gel isto be applied. Then, the healthcare provider may use the disposable hairrestraint 130 to tie the hair of the subject. Thereafter, the healthcareprovider may open the disposable gel containers 120 a and 120 b toaccess the gel stored therein and apply the gel using the gel applicator150. The healthcare provider may use some of the disposable wipes 140 towipe off excessive gel applied. As such, the subject is prepared for themedical procedure involving ultrasound. After the procedure, thehealthcare provider may use some of the disposable wipes 140 to wipe offthe gel applied.

In some arrangements, after removal and use of one or more of the items120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, 150, and 160, a user can place the used itemsback into the disposable container 110. Accordingly, the disposablecontainer 110 containing the used items can be thrown away easily,safely, and such that the used items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, 150, and160 are prevented from contacting anything outside of the disposablecontainer 110. As such, the disposable container 110 not only can beused as a barrier for preventing ingress therein (e.g., to protect theitems 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, and 150), but can also be used to safelyand hygienically dispose of the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, 150, and160 after use by resealing them in the disposable container 110 suchthat the items 120 a, 120 b, 130, 140, 150, and 160 do not contaminateany surrounding objects or people. For further protection of thesurrounding environment, a user can place the used items 120 a, 120 b,130, 140, 150, and 160 into the disposable container 110 and then placethe filled disposable container 110 in the disposable packaging 170before disposing of everything. Accordingly, in some arrangements, thedisposable kit 100 provides a mechanism for maintaining medically safeand uncontaminated items housed therein and for preventing contaminationof the surrounding environment once the items of the disposable kit 100are used and transported for disposal.

Accordingly, FIGS. 1-11E show an example of a disposable kit (e.g., thedisposable kit 100) configured to be used for a medical procedure (e.g.,an ultrasound procedure) in connection with a device (e.g., anultrasound device having one or more probes).

FIGS. 12-22H show another example of a disposable kit (e.g., adisposable kit 1200) configured to be used for a medical procedure(e.g., an ultrasound procedure) in connection with a device (e.g., anultrasound device having one or more probes). According to variousarrangements, the disposable kit 1200 is disposable. The disposable kit1200 includes a plurality of different disposable medical items suchthat the disposable kit 1200 and the items therein are not reusedbetween subjects and between medical procedures. As such, hygiene andcleanliness of an environment are increased, while allowing healthcareproviders to more efficiently and easily administer healthcare.

FIG. 12 shows components of an example of the disposable kit 1200,according to various arrangements. Referring to FIG. 12, the disposablekit 1200 includes a disposable container 1210, a head cradle pad 1220, ahead restraint pad 1230, a sheet 1240 with fiducial markers 1245, atleast one disposable enclosure (e.g., disposable enclosures 1250 a and1250 b), and disposable packaging 1260. The head cradle pad 1220 isconfigured to be placed on a head cradle of the robotic device. The headrestraint pad 1230 is configured to be placed on a head restraint of therobotic device. The fiducial markers 1245 are configured to facilitateregistration or alignment of the robotic device. The disposableenclosures 1250 a and 1250 b are configured to enclose at least aportion of the robotic device to provide ingress protection. Thedisposable kit 1200 further includes enclosures 1235 and 1255, toenclose the head restraint pad 1230 and the disposable enclosures 1250 aand 1250 b, respectively. In some arrangements, one or more of the items1220, 1230, 1235, 1240, 1245, 1250 a, 1250 b, and 1255 in the disposablecontainer 1210 are sterilized before being placed into the disposablecontainer 110. In some arrangements, the disposable container 1210 andthe disposable packaging 1260 are sterilized.

In some arrangements, the disposable container 1210 is configured tostore or otherwise contain the disposable container 1210, the headcradle pad 1220, the head restraint pad 1230, the sheet 1240 with thefiducial markers 1245, the disposable enclosures 1250 a and 1250 b, andthe enclosures 1235 and 1255. The disposable container 1210 can beopened to allow a healthcare provider to retrieve or otherwise accessthe medical items 1220, 1230, 1235, 1240, 1245, 1250 a, 1250 b, and 1255in the disposable container 1210. The disposable container 1210 can beclosed to enclose the items 1220, 1230, 1235, 1240, 1245, 1250 a, 1250b, and 1255.

In some arrangements, the disposable kit 1200 includes no more and nofewer types of medical items than the types of medical items shown inFIG. 12. For example, the disposable kit 1200 may include no more and nofewer than head cradle pad(s) (e.g., the head cradle pad 1220), headrestraint pad(s) (e.g., the head restraint pad 1230), sheet(s) withfiducial markers (e.g., the sheet 1240 with the fiducial markers 1245),disposable enclosure(s) (e.g., the disposable enclosures 1250 a and 1250b), and enclosure (e.g., the enclosures 1235 and 1255). In otherarrangements, the disposable kit 1200 includes more or fewer amountsand/or types of items than the amounts and types shown in FIG. 12. Insome arrangements, the disposable kit 1200 includes any suitable amountor number of each item type.

In some arrangements, the item types in the disposable kit 2100 and thenumber of items for each item type in the disposable kit 1200 are justenough for a medical procedure involving ultrasound (such as but notlimited to, an ultrasound scan) for a single patient or subject, usingthe robotic device. In other words, the selection of the items in thedisposable kit 1200 includes the appropriate number and types of itemsthat can be used on a single subject for a single ultrasound procedurein connection with the robotic device, without the need to open anadditional disposable kit and without wasting any unused items in thedisposable kit 1200. As an example, the disposable kit 1200 includes thehead cradle pad 1220 and the head restraint pad 1230, sufficient to bedeployed onto the head cradle and the head restraint of the roboticdevice, respectively, for a single subject for a single medicaloperation. The disposable kit 1200 further includes the four fiducialmarkers 1245, just enough for a single subject for a single medicaloperation. In one example, for each side of the subject's face, one ofthe fiducial markers 1245 can be disposed at a particular landmark at asubject's head (e.g., at a corner of a subject's eye), and one of thefiducial markers 1245 can be disposed at another landmark at thesubject's head (e.g., at a tragus of the subject), as shown in FIG. 21E.The disposable kit 1200 further includes the two disposable enclosures1250 a and 1250 b, each of which encloses one of two robotic pods 2106 aand 2106 b of a robotic device 2102 as shown in FIGS. 21C and 21D.

FIGS. 13-19 illustrate a method by which the disposable kit 1200 ismanufactured or otherwise assembled. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view ofthe disposable container 1210 (opened) of the disposable kit 1200,according to various arrangements. Referring to FIGS. 12-13, thedisposable container 1210 is light-weight for easy transportation andstorage. In some examples, the disposable container 1210 can be madefrom an inexpensive material, having sufficient rigidity to hold itsshape, and suitable for mass production. The disposable container 1210can be made from a transparent or translucent material such that thehealthcare provider can easily see whether the items stored in thedisposable container 1210 have already been used and whether the itemsstored in the disposable container 1210 have been tempered with orspoiled. In that regard, the disposable container 1210 can be made froma plastic material such as but not limited to, polyethylene,polypropylene, polystyrene, and the like. In other examples, thedisposable container 1210 can be made from glass, paperboard, ceramic,and the like. The disposable container 1210 may have some similar orsame attributes to those of the disposable container 110 describedabove.

As shown, the disposable container 1210 includes a bottom portion 1315.The bottom portion 1315 includes a bottom surface 1320 and side wallsextending from the bottom surface 1320. The bottom surface 1320 supportsthe items 1220, 1230, 1235, 1240, 1245, 1250 a, 1250 b, and 1255.

The disposable container 1210 includes a lid 1310. The lid 1310 isconfigured to be opened to provide access to an interior of thedisposable container 1210. The interior of the container 1210 is definedby the bottom portion 1315 (e.g., by the side walls and the bottomsurface 1320). The lid 1310 has an interior surface facing the interiorof the container 1210 when the lid 1310 is closed. The interior surfaceof the lid 1310 faces the bottom surface 1320 when the lid 1310 isclosed. As shown, the lid 1310 can mate with the bottom portion 1315 viafriction fit. In other examples, the lid 1310 can mate with the bottomportion 1315 via one or more of a zipper, buttons, a press seal, are-sealable seal (e.g., a zip-top), adhesives, latches, strings, and thelike. In some arrangements, the lid 1310 and the bottom portion 1315 areconnected by one or more hinges. In other arrangements, the lid 1310 andthe bottom portion 1315 are separate and are not connected. In somearrangements, the lid 1310 and the bottom portion 1315 can form awater-tight seal or air-tight seal to provide ingress protection, thusmaintaining the cleanliness of the items 1220, 1230, 1235, 1240, 1245,1250 a, 1250 b, and 1255 and reducing bacteria count within the interiorof the disposable container 1210 when the lid 1310 is closed. In somearrangements, the disposable container 1210 is sealed shut between thelid 1310 and the bottom portion 1315 so that the items 1220, 1230, 1235,1240, 1245, 1250 a, 1250 b, and 1255 therein are secured, and such thata healthcare provider can readily determine whether the disposablecontainer 1210 has been tampered with prior to use, in which case thehealthcare provider can simply use another disposable kit 1200. Forexample, the disposable container 1210 can be sealed with a tape suchthat it is readily apparent whether the tape has been previouslyreleased, cut, or otherwise opened.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the disposable container 1210(opened) containing the head cradle pad 1220 of the disposable kit 1200,according to various arrangements. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the headcradle pad 1220 is configured to be placed on a head cradle (e.g., ahead cradle 2108 of FIGS. 21A, 21C, and 21D) of a robotic device (e.g.,the robotic device 2102 of FIGS. 21C and 21D). For example, as discussedin further detail herein, a back surface of the head cradle pad 1220 caninclude an adhesive layer (e.g., an adhesive layer 2008 of FIGS. 20A and20C-20F) such that the head cradle pad 1220 can be releasably affixed tothe head cradle so that the head cradle pad 1220 is temporarily attachedto the head cradle of the robotic device.

The head cradle pad 1220 is made from any suitable soft material forreceiving and cushioning a back of a head of a subject. In somearrangements, the head cradle pad 1220 is suitably shaped and flexibleenough to fit within and contour to the head cradle, as furtherdescribed herein. In that regard, the head cradle pad 1220 is orincludes padding for providing comfort to the head of the subject. Insome arrangements, the head cradle pad 1220 is made from any suitablesoft material, such as, but not limited to, closed cell foam, open cellfoam, self-skinning open or closed cell foams, cast, aerated, extrudedsilicone or urethane, polyurethane gels that are configured todistribute pressure efficiently, or the like. In some arrangements, thehead cradle pad 1220 has any suitable firmness for supporting the headof the subject, such as, but not limited to, in a range of about 0.1pound per square inch (psi) to about 60 psi (e.g., in a range of about0.1 psi to about 10 psi) or within other suitable ranges of firmness. Insome arrangements, the head cradle pad 1220 has memory for expanding tofit contours of the head of the subject. In some arrangements, the headcradle pad 1220 can be compressed and expands after the head of thesubject is placed in the head cradle so that the padding expands aroundthe head to better secure and cushion the head.

Dimensions (e.g., a length and width) of the bottom surface 1320 and theside walls of the bottom portion 1315 are equal to or slightly greaterthan dimensions (e.g., a length-wise dimension and a width-wisedimension) of the head cradle pad 1220, such that the head cradle pad1220 fits snugly into the space defined by the bottom surface 1320 andthe side walls of the bottom portion 1315. Due to that the head cradlepad 1220 is made of soft material (e.g., a pad layer 2005), thedimensions of the bottom surface 1320 can be sized such that the headcradle pad 1220 (e.g., the pad layer 2005) is compressed along thelength-wise dimension and the width-wise dimension as the head cradlepad 1220 is being placed in the disposable container 1210, and expandsagainst the side walls after the head cradle pad 1220 has been placed inthe disposable container 1210.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the disposable container 1210(opened) containing the head cradle pad 1220 and the head restraint pad1230 of the disposable kit 1200, according to various arrangements.Referring to FIGS. 12-15, the head restraint pad 1230 is configured tobe placed on a head restraint (e.g., a head restraint 2110 of FIGS. 21Band 21C) of a robotic device (e.g., the robotic device 2102 of FIGS. 21Cand 21D). For example, as discussed in further detail herein, a backsurface of the head restraint pad 1230 can include an adhesive layer(similar to the adhesive layer 2008) such that the head restraint pad1230 can be releasably affixed to the head restraint so that the headrestraint pad 1230 is temporarily attached to the head restraint of therobotic device. As shown, the head restraint pad 1230 is placed in theenclosure 1235 for additional ingress protection. The enclosure 1235 maybe an enclosure such as, but not limited to, the disposable packaging170. The enclosure 1235 has a suitable size configured to form-fit orotherwise enclose the head restraint pad 1230.

The head restraint pad 1230 is made from any suitable soft material forcontacting, cushioning, and applying pressure against a front of a head(e.g., a forehead) of a subject. In some arrangements, the headrestraint pad 1230 is suitably shaped and flexible enough to fit withinand contour to the head restraint, as further described herein. In thatregard, the head restraint pad 1230 is or includes padding for providingcomfort to the head of the subject. In some arrangements, the headrestraint pad 1230 is made from any suitable soft material, such as, butnot limited to, closed cell foam, open cell foam, self-skinning open orclosed cell foams, cast, aerated, or extruded silicone or urethane,polyurethane gels that are configured to distribute pressureefficiently, or the like. In some arrangements, the head restraint pad1230 has any suitable firmness for supporting the head of the subject,such as, but not limited to, in a range of about 0.1 pound per squareinch (psi) to about 60 psi (e.g., in a range of about 0.1 psi to about10 psi) or within other suitable ranges of firmness. In somearrangements, the head restraint pad 1230 has memory for expanding tofit contours of the head of the subject. In some arrangements, the headrestraint pad 1230 can be compressed and after being pressed against thehead of the subject to help secure the head.

The dimensions of the head restraint pad 1230 enable the head restraintpad 1230 (as enclosed by the enclosure 1235) to fit into a space definedby a portion of the side walls of the bottom portion 1315, a sidesurface of the head cradle pad 1220, and the bottom surface 1320. Forexample, the side surface of the head cradle pad 1220 is curved inward,leaving a space between the side surface of the head cradle pad 1220 andthe portion of the side walls of the bottom portion 1315, as shown.Dimensions of the space defined by the portion of the side walls of thebottom portion 1315, the side surface of the head cradle pad 1220, andthe bottom surface 1320 allow the head restraint pad 1230 to fit snuglyinto the space. Because the head restraint pad 1230 is made of softmaterial, the head restraint pad 1230 (as enclosed by the enclosure1235) is compressed as the head restraint pad 1230 is being placed inthe space, and expands against one or more of the portion of the sidewalls of the bottom portion 1315, the side surface of the head cradlepad 1220, and the bottom surface 1320 after the head restraint pad 1230has been placed in the space. In that regard, the head restraint pad1230 is placed in the disposable container 121 after the head cradle pad1220 is placed in the disposable container 1210. As such, both the headrestraint pad 1230 and the head cradle pad 1220 expand against oneanother and the side walls of the bottom portion 1315 in the disposablecontainer 1210, reducing movement.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the disposable container 1210(opened) containing the head cradle pad 1220, the head restraint pad1230, and the sheet 1240 including one or more fiducial markers 1245 ofthe disposable kit 1200, according to various arrangements. Referring toFIGS. 12-16, the sheet 1240 including one or more fiducial markers 1245can be placed in the disposable container 1210 before or after any ofthe items 1220, 1230, 1235, 1250 a, 1250 b, and 1255 are placed in thedisposable container 1210.

In some arrangements, the disposable kit 1200 is used in conjunctionwith a robotic device (e.g., the robotic device 2102 of FIGS. 21C and21D, such as but not limited to, a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) device).The robotic device may have auto-register or alignment capabilities. Forexample, an image processing circuit of the robotic device is configuredto receive image data taken by a camera, including one or more imagesdepicting a side of a subject's head. The images captured by the cameramay include, for example, a two-dimensional array of pixel brightnessvalues. The subject's head may have the fiducial markers 1245 disposedat anatomically significant locations such that the images include thesubject's head with the fiducial markers 1245. In some embodiments, thefiducial markers 1245 are disposed at anatomically significant locationsso as to signify the boundaries of the workspace of the robotic device(e.g., one or more probes moved by the robotics) during a medicalprocedure. The fiducial markers 1245 are configured to be detected bythe image processing circuit. In one example, the fiducial markers 1245are disposed at a corner of a subject's eye and at the tragus of thesubject.

In that regard, each of the one or more fiducial markers 1245 has afirst surface that includes an adhesive layer for affixing to the sheet1240 (and to a body of a subject) and a second surface opposite to thefirst surface including a reflective surface for reflecting light thatis captured by a camera of the robotic device. Accordingly, the fiducialmarkers 1245 can be affixed to a subject to define a workspace of therobotic device with respect to the subject, which can be referred to asregistration of the robotic device (e.g., via optical registration usingthe camera of the robotic device).

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the disposable container 1210(opened) containing the head cradle pad 1220, the head restraint pad1230, the sheet 1240 including one or more fiducial markers 1245, and atleast one disposable enclosure (e.g., the disposable enclosures 1250 aand 1250 b) of the disposable kit 1200, according to variousarrangements. Referring to FIGS. 12-17, the disposable enclosures 1250 aand 1250 b are configured to be placed over corresponding robotic pods2106 a and 2106 b (e.g., to sealing and protect the robotic pods 2106 aand 2106 b from liquid and particle ingress). In some arrangements, thedisposable enclosures 1250 a and 1250 b are made from a light andinexpensive material such as plastic so that the disposable enclosures1250 a and 1250 b can be easily discarded after use. The disposableenclosures 1250 a and 1250 b are enclosed by the enclosure 1255 foradditional ingress protection. The enclosure 1255 may be an enclosuresuch as, but not limited to, the enclosure 1235. The enclosure 1255 hasa suitable size configured to enclose the disposable enclosures 1250 aand 1250 b in a side-by-side arrangement or in a stacked arrangement.The disposable enclosures 1250 a and 1250 b can be placed side-by-sideor stacked in the disposable container 1210. The disposable enclosures1250 a and 1250 b (as enclosed by the enclosure 1255) can be placed inthe disposable container 1210 after the head cradle pad 1220 and thehead restraint pad 1230 are placed in the disposable container 1210.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the disposable container 1210(closed) containing the head cradle pad 1220, the head restraint pad1230, the sheet 1240 including the fiducial markers 1245, and at leastone disposable enclosure (e.g., the disposable enclosures 1250 a and1250 b) of the disposable kit 1200, according to various arrangements.Referring to FIGS. 12-17, the lid 1310 can be closed after the headcradle pad 1220, the head restraint pad 1230 (enclosed by the enclosure1235), the sheet 1240 including one or more fiducial markers 1245, andthe disposable enclosures 1250 a and 1250 b (enclosed by the enclosure1255) are placed in the disposable container 1210.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the disposable packaging 1260enclosing the disposable container 1210 (closed) containing the headcradle pad 1220, the head restraint pad 1230, the sheet 1240 includingthe fiducial markers 1245, and at least one disposable enclosure (e.g.,the disposable enclosures 1250 a and 1250 b) of the disposable kit 1200,according to various arrangements. The disposable packaging 1260 may bean enclosure such as, but not limited to, the disposable packaging 170.The enclosure 1260 has a suitable size configured to form-fit orotherwise enclose the disposable container 1210 (closed).

Accordingly, FIGS. 12-19 illustrate a sequence by which the disposablekit 1200 is assembled or otherwise provided, as described. For example,the opened disposable container 1210 is first provided. The head cradlepad 1220 is placed in the disposable container 1210. The head restraintpad 1230 (enclosed in the enclosure 1235) is placed in the disposablecontainer 1210 after the head cradle pad 1220 is placed in thedisposable container 1210. The disposable enclosures 1250 a and 1250 b(enclosed in the enclosure 1255) are placed in the disposable container1210 after the head cradle pad 1220 and the head restraint pad 1230 areplaced in the disposable container 1210. The sheet 1240 including thefiducial markers 1245 can be placed in the disposable container 1210 atany time. The disposable container 1210 is then closed and sealed. Thedisposable packaging 1260 then encloses and seals the disposablecontainer 1210 therein. Other suitable sequences by which the disposablekit 1200 is assembled can be likewise implemented.

In some arrangements, the disposable kit 1200 provides similar benefitsas those described above with respect to the disposable kit 100 (e.g.,prevents or mitigates contamination of the items held therein). Inaddition, in some arrangements, the disposable kit 1200 can be used tocontain used items that were previously housed therein for safe and easydisposal and for protection against contamination against thesurrounding environment by the used items (as described above withrespect to the disposable kit 100).

FIG. 20A shows a perspective view of the head cradle pad 1220 (in adefault, flat, resting state), according to various arrangements. FIG.20B shows a front view of the head cradle pad 1220 (in a default, flat,resting state), according to various arrangements. FIG. 20C shows a backview of the head cradle pad 1220(in a default, flat, resting state),according to various arrangements. FIG. 20D shows a first side view ofthe head cradle pad 1220 (in a default, flat, resting state), accordingto various arrangements. FIG. 20E shows a top view of the head cradlepad 1220 (in a default, flat, resting state), according to variousarrangements. FIG. 20F shows a bottom view of the head cradle pad 1220(in a default, flat, resting state), according to various arrangements.FIG. 21A shows the head cradle pad 1220 deployed in the head cradle 2108of the robotic device 2102, according to various arrangements. FIG. 21Bshows the head restraint pad 1230 deployed in the head restraint 2110 ofthe robotic device 2102, according to various arrangements. FIGS.21C-21E illustrate a method of using the disposable kit 1200, accordingto various arrangements.

Referring to FIGS. 12-21E, in some arrangements, the robotic device 2102includes at least one robotic pod (e.g., the robotic pods 2106 a and2106 b), the head cradle 2108, and a head restraint 2110. Each of therobotic pods 2106 a and 2106 b defines a cavity that faces the headcradle 2108. A probe (e.g., a transducer) extends from the cavitytowards the head cradle 2108. Each of the robotic pods 2106 a and 2106 bincludes robotics connected to the probe that enables automatic movementof the probe with respect to a subject. The head cradle 2108 is shapedand configured to receive and retain a head 2120 of a subject and/orportion of a neck 2124 of the subject when the head cradle pad 1220 isset on the head cradle 2108. The head restraint 2110 is shaped andconfigured to contact and apply pressure against a front of the head2120 (e.g., forehead), for example, after placing the head restraint pad1230 on the head restraint 2110. The head cradle pad 1220 is symmetricalabout a center symmetry line.

The head cradle pad 1220 can be affixed to the head cradle 2108according to various arrangements. An entirety of the head cradle pad1220 conforms and corresponds to the entire shape of the head cradle2108 strictly or almost strictly. For example, a bottom of the headcradle pad 1220 corresponds to the shape of the bottom of the headcradle 2108. The bottom of the head cradle 2108 refers to a portion ofthe head cradle 2108 that is farthest from the head restraint 2110. Thebottom of the head cradle pad 1220 includes wings 2020 a and 2020 bextending from each side of the body of the head cradle pad 1220 toalign with extended portions of the head cradle 2108. The wings 2020 aand 2020 b extend substantially perpendicularly in two opposing, outwarddirections from a center symmetry line about which the head cradle pad1220 is symmetric. A substantially straight bottom edge of the secondsection 2014 extends continuously into a rounded end of each of thewings 2020 a and 2020 b. The rounded end for each of the wings 2020 aand 2020 b is formed by a rounded edge that gives the wing 2020 a or2020 b its wing-like appearance, as the rounded end extends from thecenter symmetry line. The rounded edges of the wings 2020 a and 2020 bcontinues to extend toward the flanges 2050 a and 2050 b, extendinginwardly toward the center symmetry line such that there is a gap ofempty space (e.g., elliptical empty space) between the wings 2020 a and2020 b and the respective flanges 2050 a and 2050 b. Accordingly, thebottom of the head cradle pad 1220 can receive, contact, and cushion aneck of the subject (or an upper portion of the neck) around acircumferential surface of the neck. The wings 2020 a and 2020 b allowthe head cradle pad 1220 to cover additional circumferential surfaces ofthe neck. Furthermore, because the wings 2020 a and 2020 b of the headcradle pad 1220 extend widely from the body of the head cradle pad 1220,the head cradle pad 1220 can accommodate various shapes and sizes ofnecks and heads of subjects.

In some arrangements, the head cradle pad 1220 has a top or firstsection 2010 and a bottom or second section 2014. The second section2014 is larger (e.g., by area) than the first section 2010. The firstsection 2010 and the second section 2014 are separated by and connectedby a center connection portion 2040. In some arrangements, the headcradle pad 1220 is pressed and affixed, for example, via the adhesive atthe back surface of the head cradle pad 1220 (e.g., the back surface ofthe pad layer 2005) into the recessed head cradle 2108. The firstsection 2010 and the second section 2014 of the head cradle pad 1220 arebunched together to fit within the recessed or concave shape of the headcradle 2108, sufficiently occupying most or all of the surface area ofthe head cradle 2108. For example, when the head cradle pad 1220 isaffixed to the head cradle 2108, the first section 2010 and the secondsection 2014 contract or otherwise bend towards each other at the centerconnection portion 2040. Lateral sides or edges of the head cradle pad1220 (on the first section 2010 and the second section 2014) alsocontract or otherwise bend towards each other at the center connectionportion 2040. For example, the wings 2020 a and 2020 b bend towards eachother about a center symmetry line of the head cradle pad 1220. Thecenter symmetry line extends from the first section 2010 to the secondsection 2014, such that the head cradle pad 1220 is symmetric about thecenter symmetry line. The center symmetry line divides a portion of thefirst section 2010 into tabs 2060 a and 2060 b, which are symmetricabout the center symmetry line. The center symmetry line divides aportion of the second section 2014 into wings 2020 a and 2020 b, whichare symmetric about the center symmetry line. As another example, whenthe head cradle pad 1220 is affixed to the head cradle 2108, the areassurrounding and extending from the center connection portion 2040 bendtowards each other, in directions towards the center connection portion2040. Furthermore, the center connection portion 2040 bends inwards andtowards itself to conform to the recessed contour of the head cradle2108. The center connection portion 2040 (and the portion surroundingthe center connection portion 2040) at the pad layer 2005 bends inwardstoward itself, away from the adhesive layer 2008. When the adhesivelayer 2008 is removed and the pad layer 2005 is being deployed to thehead cradle 2108, an adhesive side of the pad layer 2005 is configuredto face the head cradle 2108 while a pad side of the pad layer 2005 isconfigured to face and bend inward toward the center connection portion2040. For example, a pad side of the first section 2010 and a pad sideof the second section 2014 face and bend toward each other at the centerconnection portion 2040. Similarly, a pad side of the flange 2050 a anda pad side of the flange 2050 b face and bend toward each other at thecenter connection portion 2040.

In some arrangements, the head cradle pad 1220 has flanges 2050 a and2050 b extending from the second section 2014 and from each side of thecenter connection portion 2040. The flanges 2050 a and 2050 b extendsubstantially diagonally in two, outward directions from the centersymmetry line and the center connection portion 2040. A substantiallyrounded edge of each of the flanges 2050 a and 2050 b extendscontinuously from the center connection portion 2040 in a curved fashiontoward a pointed edge on each of the flanges 2050 a and 2050 b. Thepointed edge on each of the flanges 2050 a and 2050 b extends toward thesecond section 2014 in a curved fashion. In particular, an edge betweenthe pointed edge of the flange 2050 a and the rounded end the wing 2020a is curved inwards toward the center connection portion 2040.Similarly, an edge between the pointed edge of the flange 2050 b and therounded end the wing 2020 b is curved inwards toward the centerconnection portion 2040.

Furthermore, the head cradle pad 1220 has tabs 2060 a and 2060 bextending outward from each side of the first section 2010 of the headcradle pad 1220 and from each side of the center connection portion2040. The tabs 2060 a and 2060 b extend laterally and perpendicular intwo opposite, outward directions from the center symmetry line. A curvedtop edge of the first section 2010 extends continuously into a roundedcorner of each of the tabs 2060 a and 2060 b. The rounded corner foreach of the tabs 2060 a and 2060 b extends toward a respective one ofthe flanges 2050 a and 2050 b and forms a pointed corner. The pointedcorner of each of the tabs 2060 a and 2060 b and the pointed edge on arespective one of the flanges 2050 a and 2050 b form an opening of arespective one of spatial gaps 2030 a and 2030 b.

In some arrangements, when the head cradle pad 1220 (the pad layer 2005and the adhesive layer 2008) is in its default, flat, resting state andun-affixed to the head cradle 2108, the flanges 2050 a and 2050 b extendtowards the tabs 2060 a and 2060 b such that spatial gaps 2030 a and2030 b of empty space are defined between one of the flange 2050 a and2050 b and a respective, corresponding one of the tabs 2060 a and 2060b. An opening of each of the spatial gaps 2030 a and 2030 b is definedby a pointed corner of a respective one of the tabs 2060 a and 2060 band a pointed edge on a respective one of the flanges 2050 a and 2050 b.The sizes of the spatial gaps 2030 a and 2030 b correspond to thedistances between the tabs 2060 a and 2060 b and the flanges 2050 a and2050 b. The sizes of the spatial gaps 2030 a and 2030 b decrease fromthe openings of the spatial gaps 2030 a and 2030 b toward the centerconnection point 2040, until the spatial gaps 2030 a and 2030 b ends atthe center connection point 2040.

In some arrangements, when the head cradle pad 1220 (e.g., the pad layer2005) is affixed to the head cradle 2108, the contour and the concaveshape of the head cradle 2108 define the shape of the head cradle pad1220, causing the flange 2050 a and the tab 2060 a to bend or otherwisemove towards each other to fill in the spatial gap 2030 a therebetweensuch that the spatial gap 2030 a is substantially eliminated andoccupied by the head cradle pad 1220 (e.g., the pad layer 2005).Similarly, when the head cradle pad 1220 (e.g., the pad layer 2005) isaffixed to the head cradle 2108, the contour and the concave shape ofthe head cradle 2108 defines the shape of the head cradle pad 1220,causing the flange 2050 b and the tab 2060 b to bend or otherwise movetowards each other to fill in the spatial gap 2030 b therebetween suchthat the spatial gap 2030 b is substantially eliminated and occupied bythe head cradle pad 1220 (e.g., the pad layer 2005). In somearrangements, when the head cradle pad 1220 (e.g., the pad layer 2005)is affixed to the head cradle 2108, the flange 2050 a and the tab 2060 acontact each other, forming a friction seal where the spatial gap 2030 awas, so that particles (e.g., body hair) and liquid (e.g., bodily fluid,gel, and the like) do not fall to the head cradle. In some arrangements,when the head cradle pad 1220 (e.g., the pad layer 2005) is affixed tothe head cradle 2108, the flange 2050 b and the tab 2060 b contact eachother, forming a friction seal where the spatial gap 2030 b was, so thatparticles (e.g., body hair) and liquid (e.g., bodily fluid, gel, and thelike) do not fall to the head cradle.

In some arrangements, adhesive is provided on one or both of a sidesurface of the flange 2050 a and a side surface of the tab 2060 a thatdefine the spatial gap 2030 a when the head cradle pad 1220 is in a flatand resting state. The side surface of the flange 2050 a and the sidesurface of the tab 2060 a face one another and define a boundary of thespatial gap 2030 a. The side surfaces of the flange 2050 a and the tab2060 a are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a flatsurface of the pad layer 2005 and a flat surface of the adhesive layer2008. When the surface of the flange 2050 a and the surface of the tab2060 a contact one another, the adhesive enables the surfaces affix toeach other, improving the seal. Similarly, in some arrangements,adhesive is provided on one or both of a surface of the flange 2050 band a surface of the tab 2060 b that define the spatial gap 2030 b whenthe head cradle pad 1220 is in a flat and resting state. The sidesurface of the flange 2050 a and the side surface of the tab 2060 a faceone another and define a boundary of the spatial gap 2030 a. The sidesurfaces of the flange 2050 a and the tab 2060 a are perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to a flat surface of the pad layer 2005 anda flat surface of the adhesive layer 2008. When the surface of theflange 2050 b and the surface of the tab 2060 b contact one another, theadhesive enables the surfaces to affix to each other, thereby improvingthe seal.

Accordingly, the design and outline shape of the head cradle pad 1220enable a single piece of material to be inserted and affixed into thehead cradle 2108 such that the head cradle pad 1220 substantiallyoccupies all surface area of the head cradle 2108, which protects thehead cradle 2108 from contacting any portion of a subject. Furthermore,because the head cradle pad 1220 is a single piece of material, asopposed to a plurality of pieces, mass manufacturing of the head cradlepad 1220 is easier and more cost-effective. For example, multiple headcradle pads 1220 can simply be outlined and cut out and removed from along single sheet of padding. Furthermore, even though the head cradlepad 1220 is a single piece of material, the design and function thereof(as described above) allows for substantially complete and impenetrablecoverage of the head cradle 2108.

The head restraint pad 1230 is affixed to the head restraint 2110according to various arrangements. In some arrangements, the headrestraint pad 1230 is shaped and sized to substantially conform to theshape and size of the head restraint 2110. In some arrangements, thehead restraint pad 1230 substantially occupies most or the entiresurface of the head restraint 2110 when the head restraint pad 1230 isaffixed to the head restraint 2110. The head restraint pad 1230 can beaffixed to the head restraint 2110 by peeling off an adhesive layer atthe back surface of a pad layer of the head restraint pad 1230 to exposeadhesive at the back surface of the pad layer 2005 and pressing the headrestraint pad 1230 onto the surface of the head restraint 2110.Furthermore, because the head restraint 2110 has a concave shape, thehead restraint pad 1230 is designed to flex inwards at a substantiallycenter location to conform to the contours of the head restraint 2110.Accordingly, the head restraint pad 1230 defines a concave shape whenaffixed to the inner surface of the head restraint 2110 such that thehead restraint pad 1230 can conform, contact, and apply suitablepressure to a front of a subject's head (e.g., a forehead of thesubject).

As shown, the disposable enclosure 1250 a can enclose or otherwise coverthe robotic pod 2106 a according to various arrangements. In somearrangements, the disposable enclosure 1250 a defines a first hole(e.g., the first hole 22120 of FIGS. 22B, 22C, 22E, 22G, and 22H)through which the probe (extending from the cavity of the robotic pod2106 a) extends. The first hole and the probe can form a seal betweenthe probe and the disposable enclosure 1250 a that prevents liquids andparticles from penetrating through the disposable enclosure 1250 a andinto the robotic pod 2106 a. As such, in some arrangements, thedisposable enclosure 1250 a adequately covers the cavity defined by therobotic pod 2106 a such that liquid or particles are prevented fromentering into the robotic pod 2106 a (e.g., via the cavity) so that thecomponents and mechanisms of the robotic pod 2106 a are protected duringuse. In some arrangements, the disposable enclosure 1250 a furtherdefines one or more apertures at the top corners thereof to allow acamera extending from the top of the robotic pod 2106 a to extendthrough the disposable enclosure 1250 a.

With respect to a method of using the disposable kit 1200 according tovarious arrangements, the head cradle pad 1220 is affixed to the headcradle 2108. For example, the adhesive layer 2008 is pealed from the padlayer 2005, to expose the adhesive on the back surface of the pad layer2005. The shape of the head cradle pad 1220 (e.g., the shape of the padlayer 2005) can be manipulated to conform or otherwise fit the shape andcontour of the head cradle 2108. The head cradle pad 1220 (e.g., the padlayer 2005) is affixed to the head cradle 2108 via the adhesive, forexample, by pressing the pad layer 2005 with the adhesive onto the headcradle 2108 such that the adhesive contacts and adheres to the concavesurface of the head cradle 2108. The head restraint pad 1230 is affixedto the head restraint 2110. The head restraint pad 1230 can be affixedto the head restraint 2110 by peeling off the adhesive layer at the backsurface of the pad layer of the head restraint pad 1230 to expose theadhesive at the back surface of the pad layer 2005 and pressing the headrestraint pad 1230 with the adhesive onto the head restraint 2110 suchthat the adhesive contacts and adheres to the concave surface of thehead restraint 2110. Affixing the head cradle pad 1220 and affixing thehead restraint pad 1230 as shown in FIG. 21C can be performed in anysuitable order or simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 21D, the disposableenclosure 1250 a is placed over the robotic pod 2106 a to enclose therobotic pod 2106 a to provide ingress protection. The disposableenclosure 1250 b can be likewise placed over the robotic pod 2106 b toenclose the robotic pod 2106 b to provide ingress protection. The probeof each of the robotic pods 2106 a and 2106 b is positioned through acorresponding, respective hole (e.g., the first hole 22120 of) thedisposable enclosure 1250 a or 1250 b. The camera of each of the roboticpods 2106 a and 2106 b is positioned through a corresponding, respectivetop corner aperture (e.g., a second hole 22130 of FIGS. 22B-22D and 22G)of the disposable enclosure 1250 a or 1250 b. Next, the fiducial markers1245 are applied to the subject (e.g., two fiducial markers 1245 areaffixed at each side of the subject's head 2120). For each side of thesubject's head 2120, one of the fiducial markers 1245 can be disposed ata corner of a subject's eye, and one of the fiducial markers 1245 can bedisposed at the tragus of the subject, as shown in FIG. 21E. Gel can beapplied on a gel zone 2122 by a healthcare provider or by an automaticgel applicator on each of the robotic pods 2106 a and 2106, as shown inFIG. 21E.

FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of the disposable enclosure 1250 a(folded), according to various arrangements. FIGS. 22B shows aperspective view of the disposable enclosure 1250 a (unfolded),according to various arrangements. FIG. 22C shows a front view of thedisposable enclosure 1250 a (unfolded), according to variousarrangements. FIG. 22D shows a back view of the disposable enclosure1250 a (unfolded), according to various arrangements. FIG. 22E shows atop view of the disposable enclosure 1250 a (unfolded), according tovarious arrangements. FIG. 22F shows a bottom view of the disposableenclosure 1250 a (unfolded), according to various arrangements. FIG. 22Gshows a first side view of the disposable enclosure 1250 a (unfolded),according to various arrangements. FIG. 22H shows a second side view ofthe disposable enclosure 1250 a (unfolded), according to variousarrangements. Referring to FIGS. 12-22H, the disposable enclosures 1250a and 1250 b may be identical, thus description pertaining to thedisposable enclosure 1250 a likewise pertains to the disposableenclosure 1250 b. Examples of the disposable enclosures 1250 a and 1250b include those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/952,791, titled Enclosure For Device Including Probe, filed on Apr.13, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Each of the two robotic pods 2106 a and 2106 b of the robotic device2102 may include a probe movable by suitable robotics and a cavitywithin which probe can move. In that regard, the size, position, andshape of the cavity define a workspace of the probe. The cavity mayexpose components of the robotic pods 2106 a and 2106 b other than theprobe. The disposable enclosure 1250 a may be configured to preventliquid and particles from entering into the cavity.

In some arrangements, the disposable enclosure 1250 a includes aremovable enclosure body 22110. The enclosure body 22110 is configuredto cover an entirety of the cavity when the disposable enclosure 1250 ais attached, fastened, or otherwise coupled to the housing of therobotic pod 2106 a. The enclosure body 22110 is configured to enclose atleast a portion of the housing. In that regard, the enclosure body 22110is made of a material that provides ingress protection against liquid(e.g., blood, sweat, and water) and particles (e.g., dust and hair) tothe cavity. In some arrangements, the enclosure body 22110 is made of anelastic material that can be form-fitted to at least a portion of thehousing when the disposable enclosure 1250 a is attached to the housing.Furthermore, in some arrangements, the enclosure body 22110 is made of abiocompatible material suitable for contacting a human body (e.g., thehead of the subject).

Therefore, in considering ingress protection, elasticity,biocompatibility, and weight, the enclosure body 22110 can be made froma material such as but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene,polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyetherimide, polyvinyl chloride, andpolyether ether ketone in some examples. In other examples, theenclosure body 22110 can be made from a layer of thin silicone,biocompatible waterproof fibers or fabric, a medical curtain (e.g., apolypropylene curtain), treated paper, Tyvek®, and the like.

The disposable enclosure 1250 a (e.g., the enclosure body 22110) definesa first hole 22120. The first hole 22120 is configured to operativelyengage the probe and expose a portion of the probe that extends from thedisposable enclosure 1250 a through the first hole 22120. For example,the portion of the probe that is exposed includes the first end that hasa concave surface configured to be adjacent to or to contact a scanningsurface (e.g., on a head of a subject). The probe can be insertedthrough the hole 22120 to expose the portion of the probe.

In some arrangements, the first hole 22120 forms a seal around the probewhen the disposable enclosure 1250 a is attached, fastened, or otherwisecoupled to the housing, and when the probe is inserted through the firsthole 22120, exposing at least a portion of the probe. In one example,dimensions (e.g., a radius) of the first hole 22120 are smaller thancorresponding dimensions (e.g., a radius) of the probe. A portion of theenclosure body 22110 surrounding the first hole 22120 forms the sealaround the probe by providing a friction fit with the probe to preventliquid and particles from entering into the cavity (e.g., such thatliquids or particles cannot enter between the probe and the portion ofthe enclosure body 22110 that define the first hole 22120).

In some arrangements, the enclosure body 22110 further includes a firstmarker 22170 positioned to indicate (e.g., allowing an operator torecognize) that the first hole 22120 is for and corresponds to theprobe, to facilitate the operator to insert the probe into the firsthole 22120.

In some arrangements, the enclosure body 22110 includes at least onesecond hole (e.g., second holes 22130 and 22135) configured to receive acamera of the robotic pod 2106 a, such that the camera protrudes fromthe at least one second hole when the disposable enclosure 1250 a coversthe housing. By providing at least two second holes 22130 and 22135,improved cost of production and utilization of the disposable enclosure1250 a can be realized. For instance, while the robotic pod 2106 a hasthe camera on one side of the housing, another robotic pod 2106 bpositioned opposite to the robotic pod 2106 a in the same robotic device2102 may have a camera on an opposite side of the housing to collectdata with respect to another side of subject's head. By providing thetwo second holes 22130 and 22135, the same disposable enclosure 1250 acan be used for any type of device robotic pod 2106 a or 2106 bregardless of the position of the camera relative to the housing. Inthat regard, the second hole 22130 is configured to receive the camera(positioned at a first position relative to the housing), such that thecamera protrudes from the second hole 22130 when the disposableenclosure 1250 a is attached to the housing. The second hole 22135 isconfigured to receive a camera (positioned at a second position relativeto the housing that is different from the first position), such that thecamera protrudes from the second hole 22135 when the disposableenclosure 1250 a is attached to the associated housing. Ambidextrousoperations as well as mass production can thus be enabled based on asame design.

In some arrangements, the enclosure body 22110 further includes a secondmarker (e.g., second markers 22140 and 22145) positioned to indicate(e.g., allowing an operator to recognize) that a second hole (e.g., thesecond holes 22130 and 22135, respectively) is for and corresponds tothe camera. The second markers 22140 and 22145 can indicate anorientation (e.g., “LEFT” or “RIGHT”) of the camera relative to thehousing, such that the operator can attach the disposable enclosure 1250a to the robotic pod 2106 a in a corresponding and proper orientation.

The enclosure body 22110 forms an opening 22115 through which therobotic pod 2106 a is placed within an interior volume of the enclosurebody 22110. A fastening mechanism 22150 is provided for attaching,fastening, or otherwise coupling the disposable enclosure 1250 a to thehousing to allow easy installation and removal of the disposableenclosure 1250 a and to provide secure placement of the disposableenclosure 1250 a while on the robotic pod 2106 a and while the roboticpod 2106 a is operating. Although the fastening mechanism 22150 is shownto be an hair restraint configured to expand when being placed on therobotic pod 2106 a and tighten around the robotic pod 2106 a once thedisposable enclosure 1250 a is positioned, other examples of thefastening mechanism include but are not limited to, Velcro®, adhesivestrips, adhesives, buttons, zippers, clamps, and strings. In otherarrangements, the opening 22115 may not have any fastening mechanismcoupled thereto such that the enclosure body 22110 simply drapes overthe robotic pod 2106 a.

In some arrangements, the enclosure body 22110 may have a substantiallyrectangular or square shape. Two pieces of material or a single sheet ofmaterial can be joined at edges 22160 and 22165 via adhesives to formthe disposable enclosure 1250 a. In other examples, a zipper, stitching,welding, or another suitable mating mechanism can be provided along theedges 22160 and 22165 for enclosing and sealing the enclosure body 22110along the edges 22160 and 22165.

Although the various kits, items, and components have been describedherein as being disposable, in other arrangements, the various kits,items, and components can be reusable and not necessarily disposableafter a one-time use. Although discrete examples and arrangements areillustrated and described herein, any given arrangement, or feature,component, design, and the like of the given arrangement, can beincorporated into another given arrangement described herein. As anon-limiting example, in some arrangements, a component of thedisposable kit 100 can be incorporated into the disposable kit 1200 andvice versa.

The above used terms, including “held fast,” “mount,” “attached,”“coupled,” “affixed,” “connected,” “secured,” and the like are usedinterchangeably. In addition, while certain arrangements have beendescribed to include a first element as being “coupled” (or “attached,”“connected,” “fastened,” etc.) to a second element, the first elementmay be directly coupled to the second element or may be indirectlycoupled to the second element via a third element.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the various aspects described herein. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theaspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistentwith the language claims, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically statedotherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. All structural andfunctional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects describedthroughout the previous description that are known or later come to beknown to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporatedherein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims.Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to thepublic regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited inthe claims. No claim element is to be construed as a means plus functionunless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an example of illustrative approaches. Based upondesign preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remainingwithin the scope of the previous description. The accompanying methodclaims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and arenot meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The previous description of the disclosed implementations is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosedsubject matter. Various modifications to these implementations will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other implementations without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the previous description. Thus, the previousdescription is not intended to be limited to the implementations shownherein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with theprinciples and novel features disclosed herein.

The various examples illustrated and described are provided merely asexamples to illustrate various features of the claims. However, featuresshown and described with respect to any given example are notnecessarily limited to the associated example and may be used orcombined with other examples that are shown and described. Further, theclaims are not intended to be limited by any one example.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the steps of various examples must be performed in theorder presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art theorder of steps in the foregoing examples may be performed in any order.Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended tolimit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide thereader through the description of the methods. Further, any reference toclaim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,”“an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to thesingular.

The preceding description of the disclosed examples is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentdisclosure. Various modifications to these examples will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to some examples without departing from the spiritor scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intendedto be limited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles andnovel features disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable kit containing medical items to beused with a medical device including a head cradle to support a head ofa subject and a head restraint to secure the head of the subject in thehead cradle, the disposable kit comprising: a container, wherein thecontainer encloses: a head cradle pad that affixes to the head cradle;at least one fiducial marker to be disposed at a location on the head ofthe subject; and a head restraint pad that affixes to the head restraintof the medical device.
 2. The disposable kit of claim 1, wherein themedical items comprise at least the head cradle pad, the at least onefiducial marker, and the head restraint pad; and the medical items areused for an ultrasound medical procedure.
 3. The disposable kit of claim1, wherein the head restraint pad releasably affixes to the headrestraint.
 4. The disposable kit of claim 1, wherein the head restraintpad comprises a pad layer and an adhesive layer; and the head restraintpad affixes to the head restraint via the adhesive layer.
 5. Thedisposable kit of claim 4, wherein: the pad layer of the head restraintpad is to be pressed into a concave surface of the head restraint; andthe adhesive layer of the head restraint pad contacts and adheres to theconcave surface of the head restraint when the pad layer of the headrestraint pad is pressed into the concave surface of the head restraint.6. The disposable kit of claim 1, wherein each of the at least onefiducial marker comprises: an adhesive surface that affixes to thesubject; and a light reflective surface opposite to the adhesivesurface.
 7. The disposable kit of claim 6, wherein the at least onefiducial marker comprises four fiducial markers.
 8. The disposable kitof claim 6, wherein the container further encloses a sheet, and wherein:the adhesive surface of each of the at least one fiducial marker isaffixed to the sheet; and the at least one fiducial marker peels off ofthe sheet.
 9. The disposable kit of claim 1, wherein the at least onefiducial marker comprises a first set of fiducial markers and a secondset of fiducial markers, each of the first set and the second set offiducial markers comprising a plurality of fiducial markers that adhereto opposite sides of the head of the subject.
 10. The disposable kit ofclaim 9, wherein: the first set of the fiducial markers comprises afirst fiducial marker and a second fiducial marker; the first fiducialmarker is to be disposed at an edge of an eye of the subject; and thesecond fiducial marker is to be disposed at a tragus of the subject. 11.The disposable kit of claim 9, wherein the first set of fiducial markerscomprises two fiducial markers and the second set comprises two otherfiducial markers.
 12. The disposable kit of claim 11 wherein: each ofthe first and second set of the fiducial markers is affixed to a singlesheet via respective adhesive surfaces; and each of the first and secondset of fiducial markers peels off from the single sheet.
 13. Thedisposable kit of claim 1, wherein the head cradle pad contacts a bottomsurface of the container and fits into a space defined by the bottomsurface and side walls extending from the bottom surface.
 14. Thedisposable kit of claim 13, wherein the head cradle pad comprises a sideportion shaped to define a space into which the head restraint pad fitswhen positioned between the side portion, the bottom surface of thecontainer, and side walls of the container.
 15. The disposable kit ofclaim 1, further comprising a packaging that encloses the container. 16.The disposable kit of claim 15, wherein the packaging seals the contentsof the container from ingress of liquid or particles.
 17. The disposablecontainer of claim 15, wherein the packaging comprises a strip of tapealong any opening of the container.
 18. The disposable kit of claim 1,wherein the medical device comprises a Transcranial Doppler device. 19.A method for making a disposable kit containing medical items configuredfor a medical device including a head cradle to support a head of asubject and a head restraint to secure the head of the subject in thehead cradle, the method comprising: assembling a container, wherein thecontainer comprises: a head cradle pad that affixes to the head cradle;at least one fiducial marker to be disposed on the subject; and a headrestraint pad that affixes to the head restraint of the medical device.20. The method of claim 19, wherein the head restraint pad comprises apad layer and an adhesive layer that affixes to the head restraint.